Matildas stars Hayley Raso and Ellie Carpenter ruled out of two-match series against Korea, another in doubt
The Matildas have suffered a major blow heading into their two-match series against Korea, with two key players ruled out, and a third in significant doubt.
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Two of Australia’s top players – Ellie Carpenter and Hayley Raso – are both out of the Matildas two-match series against Korea starting tomorrow while a third star, goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold, is also in doubt to play.
Fitness evaluations conducted by the Matildas medical staff on Raso (thigh) and Carpenter (ankle) ruled the duo were not fit to play the two matches, with both players now to sent back to their clubs for rehabilitation.
This latest development adds to a growing list of injuries and absences for the national team with Sam Kerr (ACL) still out and Katrina Gorry (ankle), Sharn Frier (ankle) and Cortnee Vine also unavailable.
Interim Matilda’s coach Tom Sermanni said he was aware both Carpenter and Raso were carrying the injuries into camp. But further assessment found the situation to be worse than expected.
“At this point in time it is really important that we look after the safety and the health and the welfare of the players,” Sermanni said.
“These players are playing intense football for 12 months of the year now. So they are always having knocks and bumps and bruises and things.”
Sermanni said Arnold’s injury was picked up at training and is likely her tricep.
While he is still waiting on scans he doesn’t expect the World Cup hero to play in Sydney.
It will open the door for Teagan Micah, who has been pushing to reclaim that No. 1 position in the national side.
Sermanni said he hadn’t yet locked in his starting 11 and the injuries would provide an opportunity for rising stars to prove what they can do on an international stage.
“Somebody’s misfortune is somebody else’s good fortune,” Sermanni said.
“I think at this time in the cycle, you don’t ever want players injured, but if there’s any time in the cycle to look and give opportunities to players, this is a good time to do it.
“As players, as coaches, everybody wants to get results. But the key thing that we’ve, we’ve said from early on, is the most critical thing for this team is March next year.
“So if there’s some misfortune happening now in the scheme of things, it’s better to be happening now than happening in February next year.
“So we just got on with what you’ve got to get on with. That’s part of your job as a footballer and the football coach.”
Matildas veteran Alanna Kennedy said the team saw this series as a chance to bounce back from the disappointing She Believes Cup tournament in the US.
“I know it’s probably sounds a bit boring, but we’re really just focused on kind of becoming the Matildas that everyone fell in love with, and everyone loves to watch being that version of ourselves again,” she said.
“And so that starts tomorrow night, and then hopefully the next camp as well, the new coach can bring that same energy and all these things that we need to give us the best opportunity to win the Asian Cup next year.”
Arnold was sent for scans on an arm injury after she was unable to complete Wednesday’s session, with officials awaiting the results before determining whether she will take any part in the match in Sydney on Friday night or Newcastle on Monday.
The injuries are a further blow to a Matildas outfit already missing Sam Kerr (knee) and midfield maestro Katrina Gorry who remained in the UK with an ankle injury.
Canberra United goalkeeper Sally James plus Young Matildas duo Alexia Apostolakis (Melbourne City FC) and Tegan Bertolissio (Canberra United FC) have joined the Matildas camp in Sydney.
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