Football
3y

Matildas omit Arsenal's Caitlin Foord as Tony Gustavsson calls on fresh faces

Australia have called up a number of fresh faces but will be without star attacker Caitlin Foord for the Matildas' coming friendly international against Republic of Ireland.

Foord missed Arsenal's Women's Super League season-opening victory over Chelsea with a quadriceps strain and has been left out of Tony Gustavsson's 25-player squad for a training camp and the match against the Irish on Sept. 21.

Instead, she will remain in England and focus on her injury recovery.

The game against the world No. 33-ranked team at Tallaght Stadium in Dublin will the Matildas' first fixture since losing to the United States in the bronze medal match at the Olympics, with the squad featuring 18 players who were at the Games.

Former Melbourne Victory captain Angela Beard, who has impressed for Denmark's Fortuna Hjorring, headlines the list of five uncapped players.

The other four untested players are FC RosengÄrd defender Charlotte Grant, who attended the Olympics but didn't play; Sydney FC striker Remy Siemsen; Brisbane Roar defender Jamilla Rankin; and former Roar defender Winonah Heatley, who is currently plying her trade with Sweden's Vaxjo DFF.

"The next phase presents a fresh start for all players -- whether they are plying their trade in Australia, Europe, Asia, the United States or elsewhere," Gustavsson said in a statement.

"We have a long runway to 2023 and we want to utilise every camp, every match, every moment possible, to become one day better."

"We have previously stated the importance of presenting players with opportunities to experience the national team environment and, with our scouting network, we will look to continue to do so in a measured manner."

Central defenders Jenna McCormick and Emma Checker and midfielder Amy Harrison have been recalled after missing the Tokyo Olympics.

Elise Kellond-Knight and Karly Roestbakken have been called into camp for assessment on their respective progress from injuries.

Players will start to arrive in camp this weekend, and officially assemble next week.

The September window kicks off Australia's next international tournament cycle, which includes the 2022 Asian Cup, home-hosted 2023 Women's World Cup and the 2024 Olympics.

Matildas Squad:

Mackenzie Arnold, Angela Beard, Ellie Carpenter, Steph Catley, Emma Checker, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Mary Fowler, Emily Gielnik, Charlotte Grant, Amy Harrison, Winonah Heatley, Alanna Kennedy, Samantha Kerr (captain), Chloe Logarzo, Jenna McCormick, Teagan Micah, Courtney Nevin, Clare Polkinghorne, Jamilla Rankin, Hayley Raso, Kyah Simon, Remy Siemsen, Emily van Egmond, Lydia Williams, Tameka Yallop

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