Steph Catley and Caitlin Foord facing challenge to be fit for the start of the Matildas’ Olympics Games campaign

In the absence of Matildas captain Steph Catley, emerging star Clare Wheeler has jumped at the chance for more game time.

Steph Catley continues her bid to be fit for the start of the Matildas’ Olympic Games campaign. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Key Matildas pair Steph Catley and Caitlin Foord remain in a race against time to be fit for Australia’s opening Olympic Games clash against Germany.

Captain Catley (lower leg) and her Arsenal teammate Foord (quad) both missed the Matildas’ 2-1 warm-up match loss to Canada on Sunday morning at the Australians’ training camp in Marbella, Spain.

Attacker Foord withdrew for the game just minutes before kick-off, while left-back Catley was ruled out last week after entering the camp under an injury cloud.

Fellow Matilda Clare Wheeler said the injured pair were continuing with their “individualised recovery plans” ahead Australia’s battle with the Germans in Marseille on July 26 (AEST)

“It’s promising to see both of them on the park running,” Wheeler said.

“Hopefully, we’ll see them back in training soon, but they all have their plans to be ready and back for the tournament.”

In Catley’s absence, the versatile Wheeler – who is better known as a midfielder – started at left-back against the Canadians.

Clare Wheeler is ready to grab any opportunity that comes her way. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

“She definitely gave me some wise words, Steph, but in the game it was all just about being confident,” the 260-year-old Everton star said.

“It really helps knowing that people like Steph, who is one of the best in the world in that position, are believing in you and that gives you a lot of belief.

“Sometimes it’s the unfortunate reality of a national team that it’s competitive and game time is definitely not guaranteed, but the most important thing is to keep going.

“It’s what I enjoy. Obviously, I’d love to play more but I love to be a part of this team and represent my country.

“Sometimes there have been times when I haven’t played, and for me that doesn’t reduce my motivation, it just puts more wood on the fire.

“For the Olympics, it’s the same for me, just making sure if that opportunity comes that I take it, and just keep going, and enjoy every moment.”

Despite an often sluggish performance from the Matildas in their loss to Canada, Wheeler said the Australians would “be better” for the game.

“Canada is a formidable side. They’re reigning champions in the Olympics and going in there, we had a physical loading plan as well to make sure that we peak at the Olympics,” she said.

“It was a tough game, physically, but we’ll be better for it. The (Olympics) tournament is really challenging with the amount of games we have in such a close time.

“It’s important that we pushed ourselves physically and also tactically against Canada, and that game helped us a lot in our preparations.”