Captain Sam Kerr among host of Matildas rested from Australia’s latest squad

Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson has rested a host of top-liners, including captain Sam Kerr, from this month’s friendly matches against Spain and Portugal.

Sam Kerr has been rested from the Matildas squad for matches this month against Spain and Portugal. Picture: Mark Kolbe / Getty Images

Captain Sam Kerr is among several first-choice Matildas left out of Australia’s squad for this month’s friendlies against Spain and Portugal.

Having said only a couple of months ago the time for experimentation ahead of the 2023 Women’s World Cup was all but over and that he would narrow his focus in terms of selection, Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson has backflipped with his latest 24-player squad, saying the “door was never closed”.

Apart from Chelsea star Kerr, other notable omissions from the squad are vice-captain Steph Catley, Kyah Simon, Caitlin Foord, Mary Fowler, Hayley Raso, Alanna Kennedy, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Aivi Luik and Ellie Carpenter, who is sidelined with a long-term knee injury after rupturing her anterior cruciate ligament.

The latest squad includes five uncapped players – Celtic forward Jacynta Galabadaarachchi, Sydney Olympic pair Winonah Heatley and Taylor Ray, Sydney FC midfielder Mackenzie Hawkesby and Adelaide City defender Matilda McNamara – as well as 10 other players who have made 10 or less Matildas appearances.

Gustavsson said the resting of a host of senior players was part of “long-term planning” ahead of next year’s World Cup, which is being hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

2 games. 24 players.

A mix of familiar favourites and some fresh new faces 💪

🇪🇸 v 🇦🇺: 26.06.22
🇵🇹 v 🇦🇺: 29.06.22
📺💻📱: 10 Football #WeAreMatildaspic.twitter.com/i0iMNWkd4R

— CommBank Matildas (@TheMatildas) June 13, 2022

“Selection for this June squad has been based on a combination of factors, but ultimately it has been about individualising player programs with a long-term view,” Gustavsson said.

“In preparing the specialised plans, we have evaluated where the players currently are and where they will need to be and determined the best course of action for each player.”

Gustavsson admitted he “would have loved” to have all of his best players in the squad for the two tough away games, but was also “excited” about others being given chances to play.

“This is going to be a huge opportunity to invest in the depth of our roster, and also for a couple of players that have proven at club-land, where they’ve performed really well, to now dip their toes into those international waters to see if they can bring their game up to speed at international level,” he said.

“Spain and Portugal are quality nations in the final stages of their preparations for one of the biggest trophies in women’s football (the European Championships) and they will be a tough challenge in many aspects of the game.

“This is a crucial period in our groundwork for next year’s World Cup and there has been a true collaboration between players and staff to ensure we capitalise on the opportunities to position us well for 2023.”

Experienced quartet Clare Polkinghorne, Emily van Egmond, Tameka Yallop and Lydia Williams, the goalkeeper who is likely to become the latest Matilda to reach the 100-appearance milestone, are contenders to wear the captain’s armband in the absence of Kerr and her deputy Catley.

Matildas squad: Mackenzie Arnold, Angela Beard, Alex Chidiac, Larissa Crummer, Jacynta Galabadaarachchi, Emily Gielnik, Katrina Gorry, Charlotte Grant, Mackenzie Hawkesby, Winonah Heatley, Princess Ibini-Isei, Rachel Lowe, Matilda McNamara, Teagan Micah, Courtney Nevin, Clare Polkinghorne, Taylor Ray, Amy Sayer, Remy Siemsen, Emily van Egmond, Cortnee Vine, Clare Wheeler, Lydia Williams, Tameka Yallop.

Originally published as Captain Sam Kerr among host of Matildas rested from Australia’s latest squad