Matildas v Chile: Elise Kellond-Knight forced out of two-game series with hamstring injury

The Matildas will have to do without one of their most influential contributors when they play their first matches since their World Cup exit four months ago against Chile over the next week.

VALENCIENNES, FRANCE - JUNE 09: Valentina Giacinti (R) of Italy and Elise Kellond-Knight of Australia compete for the ball during the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France group C match between Australia and Italy at Stade du Hainaut on June 09, 2019 in Valenciennes, France. (Photo by Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images)

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Matildas midfielder Elise Kellond-Knight has been ruled out of Australia’s two-match series against Chile due to a hamstring injury.

Football Federation Australia confirmed she’ll miss both matches against the South Americans, the first of which take place at Bankwest Stadium in Parramatta on Saturday.

Kellond-Knight has made 109 international appearances, and has appeared at three FIFA Women’s World Cups.

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The tireless Elise Kellond-Knight is resting a hamstring injury.

The 29-year-old returned to W-League club Brisbane Roar last month, where she previously won two Championships and a Premiership in eight seasons, after stints in Germany, America and Sweden, and at Melbourne City.

“It is unfortunate that Elise (Kellond-Knight) won’t be with us this month however her priority now is to get fit and get minutes under her belt with Brisbane Roar throughout the forthcoming Westfield W-League season,” Matildas head coach Ante Milicic said.

“We know what Elise at her best can offer to the national team, so we trust that she will make a speedy recovery and, like all our players, earn valuable game time leading up to the squad selection for next year’s Tokyo 2020 Olympic qualifiers in China.”