Matildas midfielder Clare Wheeler to miss four-nation tournament in the United States

An uncapped Melbourne Victory midfielder has been called into the Matildas squad for the She Believes Cup as a replacement for an injured star.

Everton midfielder Clare Wheeler has been ruled out of the Matildas squad for this month’s She Believes Cup in the US.

Wheeler, 27, has suffered a thigh injury and will be replaced in Australia’s 23-player squad by uncapped 19-year-old Melbourne Victory midfielder Alana Murphy.

The Matildas’ first match in the She Believes Cup is on February 21 against Japan in Houston.

The Australians also play the US (February 24, Glendale) and Colombia (February 27, San Diego) in the four-nation tournament.

Melbourne Victory midfielder Alana Murphy will replace the injured Clare Wheeler in the Matildas squad. Picture: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images

“To play three quality nations, all with differing styles, in a tournament style format will allow us to continue assessing the squad and identify the areas that we will need to continue to invest in improving over the next twelve months,” Matildas interim coach Tom Sermanni said.

“With the (2026) AFC Women’s Asian Cup on the horizon, internal competition within the squad is key.

“Every player knows they need to push for their place, and this tournament gives us another chance to see how they respond in a high-pressure environment.”

Star striker Sam Kerr isn’t in the squad as she continues her recovery from a serious knee injury she suffered in January last year.

Matildas squad: Mackenzie Arnold, Ellie Carpenter, Steph Catley, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Caitlin Foord, Mary Fowler, Laini Freier, Daniela Galic. Katrina Gorry, Charlotte Grant, Winonah Heatley, Michelle Heyman, Clare Hunt, Alanna Kennedy, Chloe Lincoln, Holly McNamara, Teagan Micah, Alana Murphy, Natasha Prior, Hayley Raso, Kaitlyn Torpey, Emily van Egmond, Tameka Yallop.

Originally published as Matildas midfielder Clare Wheeler to miss four-nation tournament in the United States