Ellie Carpenter to make her long-awaited Matildas comeback

The Matildas will welcome back two players from long-term injury for next month’s games against Scotland and England.

Ellie Carpenter (centre) is set to return for the Matildas. Picture: Yoshikazu TSUNO / AFP

Matildas star Ellie Carpenter will make her long-awaited return to international football after being named in Australia’s squad for matches next month against Scotland and England.

Carpenter hasn’t played for the Matildas in more than 11 months after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in her knee while representing her French club Lyon in last May’s UEFA Women’s Champions League final.

Also returning to the Matildas scene after a similar injury is Melbourne City star Holly McNamara, whose most recent appearance for Australia was in January last year at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup.

“We have all been delighted to see both Ellie and Holly come back to football following the incredible amount of hard work and professionalism they have shown in their recovery,” Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson said.

“In the minutes they have already played (in club football), they have both shown they have the qualities within their arsenal that can be beneficial to the team.

“Now with the realities of our roster for this camp, we have the chance to welcome them back to the national team environment and see first-hand what they can produce at this international intensity.”

Ellie Carpenter (left) will return for the Matildas. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

However, while Carpenter and McNamara return, Arsenal star Steph Catley (foot) and Aston Villa forward Emily Gielnik (ankle) are both injured.

“We have selected a squad that continues to impress us with how quickly they are seeing the same picture whenever we come together,” Gustavsson said.

“Building on those foundations is important as we take on two tough opponents in Scotland and England where we resume working towards creating that consistent 90-minute football.

“For the long term, it is vital as we have the ability to continue to evolve our plans heading into (the FIFA Women’s World Cup) in July.”

The Matildas meet both Scotland (April 7) and England (April 12) in London.

Matildas: Mackenzie Arnold. Ellie Carpenter, Alex Chidiac, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Larissa Crummer, Caitlin Foord, Mary Fowler, Katrina Gorry, Charlotte Grant, Clare Hunt, Alanna Kennedy, Sam Kerr, Aivi Luik, Holly McNamara, Teagan Micah, Courtney Nevin, Clare Polkinghorne, Hayley Raso, Emily van Egmond, Cortnee Vine, Clare Wheeler, Jada Whyman, Lydia Williams, Tameka Yallop.

Originally published as Ellie Carpenter to make her long-awaited Matildas comeback