Stalwart to return for Matildas against Sweden, Thailand

Back in action after a long battle with a knee injury, Elise Kellond-Knight has been recalled to the Matildas’ squad.

Experienced midfielder Elise Kellond-Knight will make her long-awaited Matildas return next month when Australia hosts Sweden and Thailand.

Kellond-Knight, 32, earned the most recent of her 113 caps back in March 2020.

Four months later, she tore the anterior cruciate ligament in her knee, and although she recovered to be part of Australia’s squad at last year’s Tokyo Olympics, she wasn’t given any game time.

The former Brisbane Roar star has continued to battle knee problems since, but recently made a playing return for her Swedish club Hammarby.

She will now be given the chance to push for 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup selection after being named in a 24-strong Matildas squad for matches against Sweden (November 12, Melbourne) and Thailand (November 15, Gosford).

“It’s been a long time since I’ve been in the environment, so it’ll be good to experience it again … and enjoy it again,” Kellond-Knight said.

“I chose to keep playing football and I have to remember why I kept playing football.”

Elise Kellond-Knight has been recalled to the Matildas squad. Picture: AAP image, John Gass

Also returning from injury are goalkeeper Lydia Williams and midfielders Clare Wheeler and Emily van Egmond.

Sydney FC goalkeeper Jada Whyman has also been called up due to the unavailability of West Ham goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold (calf).

Also missing are Ellie Carpenter (knee), Kyah Simon (knee), Emily Gielnik (calf) and Tameka Yallop (ankle),

Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson said: “Coming together for the first time since we learned of our FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 opponents brings a different and sharper focus to the next set of games.

“As always, in selecting the squad we’ve kept a close eye on their performances in club land.

There’s a few more players available, which is great news, as they come back from injury having recorded some good game time.”

Veteran defender Clare Polkinghorne will become just the third footballer – male or female – to make 150 senior appearances for Australia should she play in either game.

Matildas squad: Steph Catley, Alex Chidiac, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Larissa Crummer, Caitlin Foord, Mary Fowler, Katrina Gorry, Charlotte Grant, Elise Kellond-Knight, Alanna Kennedy, Sam Kerr, Chloe Logarzo, Aivi Luik, Matilda McNamara, Teagan Micah, Courtney Nevin, Clare Polkinghorne, Hayley Raso, Amy Sayer, Emily van Egmond, Cortnee Vine, Clare Wheeler, Jada Whyman, Lydia Williams.

Originally published as Stalwart to return for Matildas against Sweden, Thailand