Matildas squad v China: Sam Kerr ruled out of Olympics, Katrina Gorry racing the clock
The Matildas will be without Sam Kerr in Paris, with Football Australia confirming a brutal blow to the teams’ Olympic hopes.
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Injured Matildas captain Sam Kerr will miss the Paris Olympics as coach Tony Gustavsson endures a “very, very tough period” for squad fitness ahead of the Games.
Kerr suffered an ACL injury while on a training camp with her club Chelsea in early January and Football Australia confirmed the superstar striker would continue her rehabilitation program in her home club environment and subsequently will not be available for selection.
Meanwhile, injured Matildas midfielder Katrina Gorry won’t be lining up against China – the side’s final hitout before the Olympics – but coach Gustavsson says she is still in the running to make the Paris squad.
Gorry hasn’t played a match for English WSL side West Ham since injuring her ankle in April.
This week she shared videos on social media channels of her running and kicking a ball for the first time since her surgery.
The 31-year-old is the engine of the Matildas’ midfield and will prove key if they wish to thwart Germany and the USA at the Olympics.
So it is no great surprise that Gustavsson is leaving a spot clear for her in his 18-woman squad.
“I think everyone can do the math here and understand that obviously the Olympic roster will be based mostly out of those that are in this upcoming May/June camp,” Gustavsson said.
“However, we also have some players in Katrina and Aivi (Luik) unavailable for selection for this window but most likely will be physically available to be part of an Olympic roster. This window will be a tough one for me and my staff in terms of evaluating players, where they are, and then the final selection process for Paris.”
Courtney Nevin, Clare Hunt and Lydia Williams have all been named in the 23-woman squad for the two-match series with China after missing the last camp with injury.
While there is no trophy or qualification riding on these games with China Gustavsson said players’ performances would determine who makes the smaller Olympic squad.
“The squad we have named for this upcoming series against China PR is based on their performances for their respective clubs and also in our national team environment,” Gustavsson said.
“Some players are selected based on past performances, in tournaments and in previous camps, while others are chosen for their current strong form.
“With the Olympics approaching, selection is about seeing the overall picture over four years of performance and assembling the best team possible.
“We have looked at providing cover in each of the different positions and ensuring the player profile for those positions enhance the squad. We are pleased and confident we have those options across the pitch.”
Instead of opting to invite another fringe player into the squad to replace injured midfielder Amy Sayer (ACL), Gustavsson has opted to bring four goalkeepers along – hinting the race to pick his top two and a back-up could be tight.
Mackenzie Arnold – the hero from the World Cup – is a lock. Teagan Micah has Olympic experience and Jada Whyman is fresh of an incredible A-League's season where she played a key role in Sydney FC’s lifting the championship trophy again.
Williams, 36, is the most experienced keeper named but has had a lengthy run with injury this season – playing just 11 games for A-League side Melbourne Victory. The veteran keeper announced earlier this month she would retire from international football following the Olympics.
Football Australia said the second game of this series, to be played in Sydney on June 3, would double as a celebration for Williams – suggesting that it could possibly be her last game in the green and gold.
The camp and matches are the coach’s final chance to tweak and experiment before the Olympic team is named.
“We want to use this camp to summarise the evolved playing style we have built upon in the last couple of months,” Gustavsson.
“To go back to what we did at last year’s FIFA Women’s World CupTM and the core things we did well there and then add the layers we have worked on since.
“Then we will see if we can get more of a complete overview of where we are positioned, work on nuances and details and get some answers of where are we and what do we need to keep working on come the Olympics.”
Matildas will play China at Adelaide Oval on May 31 (8.10pm AEST) and again at Accor Stadium on June 3 (7.40pm).
FULL SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Mackenzie Arnold, Lydia Williams, Teagan Micah, Jada Whyman
Defenders: Steph Catley, Ellie Carpenter, Alanna Kennedy, Clare Hunt, Kaitlyn Torpey, Charli Grant, Clare Polkinghorne, Courtney Nevin, Sharn Frier, Winonah Heatley
Midfielders: Kyra Cooney-Cross, Clare Wheeler, Tameka Yallop, Emily van Egmond
Forwards: Michelle Heyman, Caitlin Foord, Mary Fowler, Cortnee Vine, Hayley Raso
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