Australia’s injury toll grows as Fowler, Luik join Kerr on the sidelines

Australia’s forward #11 Mary Fowler and Ireland’s midfielder Denise O’Sullivan fight for the ball during the Australia and New Zealand 2023 Women’s World Cup Group B football match between Australia and Ireland at Stadium Australia, also known as Olympic Stadium, in Sydney on July 20, 2023. (Photo by DAVID GRAY / AFP)

With two players concussed in separate accidents two days before Australia’s second Women’s World Cup game, Matildas head coach, Tony Gustavsson, can forgive fans for questioning what’s going on at practice, reports Associated Press.

Manchester City striker, Mary Fowler and veteran defender, AiviLuik, sustained mild concussions and joined star striker, Sam Kerr, on the injury list, team officials revealed on the eve of Australia’s Group B game against Nigeria. It’s going to put a big strain on Australia’s attacking stocks.

“I totally understand if you didn’t see the training and if I were you sitting out there I would go ‘like what the heck is happening in training?'” Gustavsson said during a pre-game news conference yesterday. ”But it was a completely normal training.” Tuesday’s session was part of the usual preparation schedule for the Matildas.

“Two days out you always have a high-intensity, medium-size game. We play eight-v-eight, high intensity,” Gustavsson said. “Everything was good. Unfortunately two head knocks … but pure unlucky.”

Caitlin Foord is the only recognised striker available to play against Ireland, with Kerr and Fowler injured and Kyah Simon on a careful, gradual return from a long-term injury.

“Sometimes you’re unlucky and you need to deal with the cards you’re handed,” Gustavsson said, “and we’re ready to play those cards.”

Australian captain Kerr missed the Matildas’ opening game last week