Australia lose Fowler, Luik for Nigeria clash

BRISBANE : Australia forward Mary Fowler and defender Aivi Luik will miss Thursday's Group B clash against Nigeria at Lang Park after suffering mild concussions in training, the team said on Wednesday.

The co-hosts are already without their best player, striker Sam Kerr, for the clash because of a calf injury sustained before their opening 1-0 win over Ireland last Thursday.

Fowler replaced Kerr in the attack for that match at Sydney's Stadium Australia, while Luik was an unused substitute.

Football Australia said the pair were concussed in separate incidents at training on Tuesday but that both had fully recovered and started the "return to play" protocols.

That suggests they would be available for Australia's final group match against Olympic champions Canada in Melbourne next Monday.