The contenders to replace injured Mary Fowler in Matildas XI
The Matildas were dealt a devastating blow when Mary Fowler’s ruptured ACL was confirmed. With the Asian Cup firmly in sight, we look at the contenders to fill in for the star attacker.
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One of the first jobs for the incoming Matildas coach was going to be finding the best way to use Mary Fowler – now it will be finding a replacement for the star attacker.
Fowler, 22, will face a lengthy stint on the sidelines after rupturing her ACL in Manchester City’s FA Women’s Cup semi-final against Manchester United on Sunday.
It is a big blow for the superstar who was finally starting to look comfortable in a Matildas jersey.
But with ACL rehabs taking 9-12 months Fowler is going to be pushing it to be back fit in time for the Asian Cup in March next year. Sam Kerr has been off the field for 15 months following her ACL injury and is believed to still be several weeks away from playing.
It means the new Matildas coach, whomever it is, will have a big task of finding a way forward without Fowler.
The attacker brings a lot to the game – she is regarded as a triple threat – boasting speed, technical skills and a very good tactical football brain. Her favoured position is on the wing but she can also be used as a striker or a No.10.
She isn’t someone who can simply be replaced. The new coach will more likely have to move the pieces he already has on the board around to plug the hole.
Here are the players who could step up:
Holly McNamara
Back on the pitch after her third ACL injury the 22-year-old has been in top form in the A-League. Her impressive haul of 14 goals from 16 matches has her at the top of the ALW Golden Boot race. McNamara was given decent minutes in the last Matildas window and combined very well with Caitlin Foord up front.
Kaitlyn Torpey
The 25-year-old is a versatile player with plenty of speed. She can play wing back or winger and is used as both at Portland Thorns and the Matildas. Injuries and lack of domestic match minutes has limited Torpey’s chances in the national team but Fowler’s absence could open the door for her.
Caitlin Foord
She is already a starting 11 player but the new coach could easily push Foord back into Fowler’s preferred position on the wing and open the door for McNamara, Kerr (on her return), Michelle Heyman or Hayley Raso to play the role of striker.
Cortnee Vine
She has been out of the Matildas squad for months to recharge and mentally prepare for the pressures of playing in the national team. If Vine is in form and getting match minutes she will be hard to look over – especially given her speed and ability to play on the wing.
Kyra Cooney-Cross
While the Arsenal midfielder normally plays a more defensive role we have seen her recently tested in a more attacking position and there was plenty to like. While she only has the one goal for the Matildas she proved during her time in the ALW that she knows how to find the net. She has a good football brain and a great connection with Arsenal teammate Caitlin Foord.
Sharn Freier
She is out after having ankle surgery but Freier has proven she can perform on the international stage. If she can get back to full fitness and plenty of match minutes at new German club Wolfsburg she could be hard to ignore.
Originally published as The contenders to replace injured Mary Fowler in Matildas XI
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