Football news: Mystery around Matilda’s Kyah Simon’s injury, FIFA World Cup & A-League absence

Five months after her controversial World Cup selection, key details around Matildas striker Kyah Simon’s injury woes have been revealed, as well when she will make her A-League return.

GOSFORD, AUSTRALIA – DECEMBER 31: Kyah Simon of the Mariners during the A-League Women round 10 match between Central Coast Mariners and Perth Glory at Industree Group Stadium on December 31, 2023 in Gosford, Australia. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)

The mystery surrounding Kyah Simon’s FIFA Women’s World Cup woes and absence from the A-League this season has been solved – with the club confirming their star striker is battling a calf injury.

Simon, 32, was controversially named in the Matildas’ World Cup squad despite having not played since tearing her ACL in October 2022.

Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson stood by his decision to name the injured forward, even though she never took to the field.

It was revealed during the tournament that Simon had suffered a “setback” that meant she was only able to be used as a penalty taker. And when given the opportunity Gustavsson still kept the experienced player on the bench.

Kyah Simon was controversially named in the Matildas squad for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023, but never took to the field. Picture: Adam Head

The nature of the “setback” was never revealed.

Simon had been dumped by English WSL side Tottenham in the lead up to the World Cup – but was signed by rejuvenated A-League women’s side Central Coast Mariners, alongside her partner Faye Bryson.

The forward was honest at the start of the season, telling this masthead she was still going through rehab and was unsure when she would be fit to play, but hoped it would be in the early part of the season.

But nine rounds in the star is yet to take the field, with the club, until now, keeping the nature of her injury a secret.

“(Simon) has been recovering from a calf injury that came up during the World Cup alongside the ACL injury,” the spokesman said.

Kyah Simon is yet to play for Central Coast Mariners this season due to a calf injury. Photo: Supplied

“She is currently in full contact training with the group nearing return.”

The spokesman said she was unlikely to play against Sydney FC this weekend but could make a return for the inaugural Unite Round the following week.

That would mark a five month recovery time from the setback during the FIFA World Cup, where Australia’s campaign was ultimately plagued by multiple injuries including Sam Kerr’s calf strain and concussion to Mary Fowler, Alanna Kennedy and Aivi Luik.

Kerr’s “mild” calf strain allowed the skipper to return to play a role in the Matildas’ semi-final surge, but the fact it’s now taken such an extended absence for Simon to be match fit speaks volumes of the severity of her injury and the cone of silence that enabled the Australian camp to keep details of her fitness such a closely guarded secret.

Simon’s return could be just what the Mariners need to reignite their season – having won just three of their nine games.

Central Coast Mariners will play Sydney FC at 6pm on Sunday (AEDT).

Originally published as Football news: Mystery around Matilda’s Kyah Simon’s injury, FIFA World Cup & A-League absence