Matildas goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold ruled out for second game in a row
With speculation rife that a permanent Matildas coaching appointment is imminent, interim coach Tom Sermanni remains in the dark about whether his side’s upcoming clash with Korea will be his final act in charge.
Talk is rife the appointment of a permanent Matildas’ coach is imminent but interim coach Tom Sermanni says he hasn’t been informed if his services will be needed after Monday night’s clash with Korea Republic.
Sermanni took on the interim role nine months ago and said he didn’t think the stint would last as long as it has.
“If you asked me in September would I still be here now I’d probably said it’s doubtful but I’m still here,” Sermanni said.
“Whether this is my last game or not I don’t know. I do think if it’s not this one it’s more likely the next one.”
Several front-runners have emerged in the race for the next coaching job with Joe Montemurro, Tanya Oxtoby and John Aloisi all contenders.
Regardless of the behind the scenes situation Sermanni is focused on just doing the job he has been asked and that is to deliver another win against Korea Republic in Newcastle on Monday night.
They will be without goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold who is due to fly home to Portland tonight for further treatment on her arm injury.
“It’s not a major injury but it’s one of those where you just can’t take the risk giving such a short time between getting the injury and playing the game,” Sermanni said.
“It’s one of those injuries where if we had a cup final tomorrow you’d probably take a risk, but if she goes out tomorrow and the first minute suddenly has to stretch awkwardly, and she tears something she could be out for a considerable amount of time.
“So it’s very important, just with the with the injury that she’s got, that we get her back to the club to make sure she keeps established in her club spot, which is really critical for for her and for us.”
Clare Wheeler who honed her skills in Newcastle said she was looking forward to playing in front of the home crowd, family and friends.
Wheeler has been battling to crack into the starting eleven, complicated by a few minor injuries.
“As a team we’re all trying to do the best for club and for country so that we can all put our best hand up for selection coming up to the Asian Cup,” Wheeler said.
“I really want to be in that team and hopefully in the starting 11.”
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Sermanni didn’t give much away about who would feature in the game. Players are under load management.
He did say that Mary Fowler, who started off the bench last game, would likely feature in the game- but wouldn’t say how a big role or how many minutes the star would get.
Matildas will play Korea Republic at 7.30pm at McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle.
Originally published as Matildas goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold ruled out for second game in a row
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