Sydney, Australia – Star forward Mary Fowler is set to return to the Matildas squad for the upcoming SheBelieves Cup in the United States, having taken time off from international duty late last year to focus on her mental and physical well-being.
Fowler, who withdrew from Australia’s November friendlies against Brazil, has been in top form for Manchester City, scoring five goals and providing three assists in her last five WSL matches.
“She’s playing very well, she looks on top of her game, fit, and healthy,” said Matildas interim head coach Tom Sermanni. “She is already a world-class footballer, but she still has room to grow. Her trajectory is looking really promising.”
Notable Absentees
Captain Sam Kerr remains sidelined as she continues recovering from a serious knee injury. Despite making an appearance in a London court this week for an unrelated legal matter, her omission is solely due to her ongoing rehabilitation.
Cortnee Vine, another key player, is also absent as she continues her return to football after a personal break last year.
“She just needs to regain her rhythm at club level before stepping back into international football,” Sermanni explained.
New Inclusions & Recalls
The squad sees the return of midfielders Katrina Gorry and Clare Wheeler, alongside forwards Kaitlyn Torpey and Holly McNamara. Meanwhile, Laini Freier has earned her first senior call-up after an impressive season with Brisbane Roar, where she has scored seven goals in 10 matches, including a hat-trick on her starting debut.
The Matildas will kick off their SheBelieves Cup campaign against Japan on 21 February, followed by matches against USA and Colombia.
Matildas Squad for SheBelieves Cup
| Position | Player | Club |
|---|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | Mackenzie Arnold | West Ham (England) |
| Chloe Lincoln | Canberra United (Australia) | |
| Teagan Micah | Liverpool (England) | |
| Defenders | Ellie Carpenter | Lyon (France) |
| Steph Catley | Arsenal (England) | |
| Charlotte Grant | Tottenham (England) | |
| Winonah Heatley | Melbourne City (Australia) | |
| Clare Hunt | Paris Saint-Germain (France) | |
| Alanna Kennedy | Manchester City (England) | |
| Natasha Prior | Newcastle Jets (Australia) | |
| Midfielders | Kyra Cooney-Cross | Arsenal (England) |
| Emily van Egmond | San Diego Wave (USA) | |
| Daniela Galic | Melbourne City (Australia) | |
| Katrina Gorry | West Ham (England) | |
| Clare Wheeler | Everton (England) | |
| Tameeka Yallop | Brann (Norway) | |
| Forwards | Caitlin Foord | Arsenal (England) |
| Mary Fowler | Manchester City (England) | |
| Laini Freier | Brisbane Roar (Australia) | |
| Michelle Heyman | Canberra United (Australia) | |
| Holly McNamara | Melbourne City (Australia) | |
| Hayley Raso | Real Madrid (Spain) | |
| Kaitlyn Torpey | Melbourne City (Australia) |
With Fowler back in top form, the Matildas will be aiming for a strong performance at the SheBelieves Cup, using the tournament as a key step in their preparations for upcoming major competitions.
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