Australia 'on a mission' at WC after concussion setbacks

The Matildas were already without the injured Sam Kerr for the match in Brisbane on Thursday and now fellow forward Mary Fowler - who replaced the Chelsea star in their opening game-- is also unavailable. With Kyah Simon still recovering from a knee injury sustained in October, Arsenal's Caitlin Foord is their only recognised striker.

Along with Fowler, defender Aivi Luik, who was a substitute in their 1-0 win against Ireland last week, also suffered a head knock in training and has been ruled out. "It was a completely normal training, two days out you always have high-intensity," said Gustavsson, who refused to say how the incidents unfolded.

"Everything was good, we were just unlucky unfortunately, two head knocks. We didn't do anything different than normal. The players kept going ... they are on a mission, and just focused on what they can control so credit to them in yesterday's training on how they responded to it."

Gustavsson had no update on Kerr's calf injury, saying only that she would be re-assessed after the Nigeria game. "We want to wait until the last minute to see where's she's at in terms of availability," he added, referring to their final Group B match, against Canada on July 31st in Melbourne.

His options against Nigeria appear to now be starting Foord up front with Emily van Egmond or Tameka Yallop, who both usually play in midfield. Australia have three points and victory would ensure they progress to the last 16 from Group B. Nigeria and Canada have one point each, with Ireland yet to get off the mark.

 

July 26, 2023