Matildas star Mary Fowler floored by ACL injury, Asian Cup availability in doubt
By Vince Rugari
Mary Fowler is facing a race against time to be fit for the Matildas’ home Asian Cup campaign after confirmation she has ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in her right knee.
The 22-year-old suffered the injury in Manchester City’s FA Cup semi-final defeat to Manchester United at the weekend and will now face up to a year – or perhaps more – on the sidelines.
Mary Fowler leaves the field with a Man City trainer.Credit: Getty Images
The Women’s Asian Cup is due to kick off on March 1 next year, meaning that Fowler will need to make a quicker-than-usual recovery to be involved in the tournament.
In a statement released on Wednesday night by Football Australia, Fowler vowed to use the lay-off as an opportunity for growth.
“I’m really disappointed to be facing some time out of the game,” she said.
“It’s never easy when something like this happens especially when you’ve been working so hard and feeling good. The road ahead will be challenging, but I’m ready to take it on.
“There’s still so much I want to achieve, and I’ll be using this time to grow in every way I can. I’m committed to doing the work, staying positive and coming back better than ever.
“I want to say a big thank you to everyone who’s sent messages or checked in – it’s honestly meant so much. The support from my teammates, family, friends and fans has been a real lift and reminded me how lucky I am to be surrounded by such a strong network.”
ACL injuries typically take nine to 12 months to recover from, although some players – like Matildas skipper Sam Kerr – suffer complications during their rehabilitation which can add to that timeframe. Kerr hurt her ACL in a training camp with Chelsea in January last year and has still not returned to the field, and may not until the beginning of next season.
Hopes were high that Fowler would help lead a remodelled attack for the Matildas at the Asian Cup but with her fitness in severe doubt, the next head coach will need to completely reimagine the team’s forward line.
“This is tough news for Mary and for all of us who know the dedication and passion she brings to her craft,” said Matildas interim coach Tom Sermanni, who will remain at the helm for their upcoming home friendlies against Argentina.
“She’s an exceptional talent and a much-loved member of our team, and we know she’ll meet this challenge with the same courage she brings to the pitch.
“Everyone in the Matildas and Football Australia family – players, coaches, and support staff – will be right behind Mary as she takes the first steps toward her comeback.”
Fowler will begin her rehab with Manchester City’s medical team, with Football Australia’s performance support staff to remain in close contact.
She had been in sparkling form for club and country, scoring in the second of the Matildas’ two recent clashes with South Korea while also enjoying her best season to date in England, having racked up 10 goals and 10 assists for City in all competitions. Seven of those assists came in the Women’s Super League, the most from any player this term.
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