Matildas Mystery: Explaining the curious absence of young star Cortnee Vine

Matildas World Cup hero Cortnee Vine is missing in action and it is unknown if the talented winger will play when the squad heads to Australia this month. So what’s behind her mystery absence?

She is the Matildas hero who helped send the team through to its first World Cup semi-final but speedy winger Cortnee Vine is missing in action.

Even Football Australia is unable to confirm if she will be available for the upcoming four-game series on home soil.

Vine, 26, became a household name, after her penalty kick in the epic shootout against France at the World Cup last year.

After winning her third premiership title with A-League’s club Sydney FC Vine made the decision to move to America – signing with NWSL side North Carolina Courage.

It had a promising start – with Vine in the starting side and then scoring a goal in her second match.

The regular season is over and Courage have progressed through to the playoffs.

Vine has played just four games for the side.

Cortnee Vine was on top of the world after her World Cup performances. Picture: Getty

She withdrew herself for “personal reasons” from the last Matildas camp.

It is not the first time Vine has withdrawn from a national team camp for personal reasons. She also missed the Olympic qualifiers against Uzbekistan back in February.

Interim coach Tom Sermanni said Vine had asked for time off to adjust to her new life overseas.

North Carolina Courage labelled her as an “excused absence” on its playing roster. In more recent weeks Vine hasn’t been listed as unavailable but hasn’t been named in the match day squad.

Vine last played for her club on October 13 – coming on just after half time.

She also came off the bench on October 6 for a 12 minute stint on the pitch.

Post the recent international window Vine hasn’t played or been named.

Photos shared to social media show Vine has been training with the group and that she was at the last match on November 3 – in casual clothes, not a team uniform.

A Football Australia spokesman said they did not have an update on Vine’s situation nor were they able to confirm if she would be available for the upcoming clashes in Australia against Brazil and Chinese Taipei.

North Carolina Courage haven’t responded to multiple requests about Vine’s health or why she isn’t playing.

Fans have certainly noticed her absence – with plenty of questions on the club’s social media pages inquiring about Vine’s whereabouts.

From the outside Vine appears to be fit and without injury.

This week she dressed up as Australian Olympic breakdancer Raygun for Halloween.

Then she posted a series of photos from training, hanging with her new teammates and exploring the city. The caption simply said “bit of this, bit of that”.

Match fitness is a key factor when it comes to being selected in a national team squad.

Even if Vine is available for this upcoming window there is every chance Sermanni could opt to leave her out – instead choosing to back rising star Daniela Galic.

Football Australia is also yet to confirm if Kaitlyn Torpey will be available after sustaining a leg injury against Germany. Torpey did not play in her final club match at the weekend.

Matildas will play Brazil in Brisbane on November 28 and the Gold Coast on December 1.

They will then take on Chinese Taipei in Melbourne and Geelong on December 4 and 7.

Originally published as Matildas Mystery: Explaining the curious absence of young star Cortnee Vine