Matildas coach Joe Montemurro has named 14 A-League Women players in a 33-strong squad for games against Slovenia and Panama as he plots a path to the 2026 Asian Cup.
Matildas captain Steph Catley, forward Caitlin Foord and midfielder Katrina Gorry are taking leave so will not be among those facing Slovenia on June 26 and 29, then Panama on July 5 and 8.
Caitlin Foord (left) and Steph Catley (centre) are both sitting out upcoming friendlies in WA. Credit: Getty
Turning to the ALW is no surprise, given Montemurro’s intimate knowledge of the domestic league.
Australia’s national women’s team have slumped to their equal-worst position, down to No.16, after disastrous Olympics and SheBelieves Cup campaigns.
“When you have this amount of time, you can start to infiltrate some good ideas and make a statement in terms of the way we want to play,” Montemurro said.
Reigning Julie Dolan Medallist Alex Chidiac and Victory striker Emily Gielnik return to the national team after being overlooked regularly by Tony Gustavsson and Tom Sermanni.
Cortnee Vine remains on leave after, but Montemurro said she was “definitely in sight after this camp and beyond.”
Brisbane Roar midfielder Tameka Yallop and recent debutant Kahli Johnson are ruled out with leg and thigh injuries.
In their place are Roar forward Grace Kuilamu and Western United’s Adriana Taranto.
They join five uncapped players who have been selected, while 16 players have fewer than 10 senior international appearances.
Vice-captain Ellie Carpenter returns from personal leave and Mackenzie Arnold, Hayley Raso and Sharn Freier from injury.
Midfielder Jacynta Galabadaarachchi also returns to the Matildas for the first time since June 2022.
AUSTRALIA’S 33-PLAYER SQUAD:
Goalkeepers: Mackenzie Arnold*, Chloe Lincoln**, Sally James**, Teagan Micah, Jada Whyman*
Defenders: Ellie Carpenter, Charlotte Grant, Clare Hunt, Alanna Kennedy*, Winonah Heatley*, Alexia Apostolakis*, Jessika Nash**, Courtney Nevin, Natasha Prior, Jamilla Rankin
Midfielders: Kyra Cooney-Cross*, Alex Chidiac, Emily Van Egmond, Clare Wheeler*, Chloe Berryhill**, Amy Sayer, Jacynta Galabadaarachchi**, Alana Murphy, Adriana Taranto**
Forwards: Emily Gielnik, Michelle Heyman, Holly McNamara, Hayley Raso, Kaitlyn Torpey*, Sharn Freier*, Bryleeh Henry**, Grace Kuilamu**, Remy Siemsen*
* Participating in Slovenia series only** Participating in Panama series only
AAP
Read the full article here
