Matildas star Mary Fowler has pulled out of upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Chinese Taipei to focus on her mental and physical health.
Fowler withdrew from the Matildas’ extended squad on Sunday, just a week after World Cup hero Cortnee Vine made herself unavailable for similar reasons.
No additional players will be called up at this stage with the Matildas squad currently at 33 for the international window.
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Manchester City forward Fowler, who looms as the future of the Matildas’ attack, will instead spend time in Australia with family.
City’s next match in the Women’s Super League is scheduled for December 8.
“Playing for the national team is something that I never take for granted. It’s an incredible honour to represent Australia every time I put the jersey on. I have, however, through past experiences, come to realise that my mind and my body are also things that I should also never take for granted,” Fowler said in a statement.
“Over the past few months, playing with an increasingly demanding schedule has been both exciting but at times also challenging.
“I love being able to play at the top level of my sport, but recognising that sometimes my mind and body also need to rest has been an invaluable lesson for me.
“Therefore, I’ve decided to take this time to prioritise recovery in order to refresh both mentally and physically, so that I can continue to put my best self forward for both club and country. I really appreciate everyone’s support and understanding, and I hope to see you all soon.”
Interim coach Tom Sermanni could also be without A-League Women midfielders Isabel Gomez and Hana Lowry after the duo suffered injuries in their respective club matches.
Central Coast player Gomez is yet to discover the extent of her right leg injury after a collision in their draw with Melbourne Victory on Saturday, while Sydney FC’s Lowry suffered a knee injury just hours before Fowler withdrew from the squad.
Sermanni will at least have Natasha Prior for selection after the Newcastle Jets defender was cleared of a serious ankle injury to join the Matildas training camp.
Veteran striker Michelle Heyman sent a scare through the Canberra United and Matildas camps after she appeared to suffer an injury in the ALW match against Perth Glory.
The midfielder clutched her ankle immediately following a contest in front of Glory’s goal but was able to return to the game.
Australia will play Brazil on the Gold Coast on Thursday and on December 1, and meet Taiwan in Victoria on December 4 and 7.
– With AAP