Fresh Aussie injury blow as Mary Fowler out of Nigeria clash

Australia have been rocked by a fresh double injury blow after attacker Mary Fowler and the versatile Aivi Luik were ruled out of Thursday's World Cup clash against Nigeria in Brisbane.

The pair suffered mild concussions in two separate incidents during training on Tuesday.

They've commenced return to play protocols but will not be available for the crunch Group B meeting at Brisbane Stadium.

Fowler started against the Republic of Ireland last Thursday at the Accor Stadium in Sydney after star striker Sam Kerr was ruled out with a calf injury. Veteran Luik was an unused substitute.

Kerr may not return until the knockout stages - presuming the Matildas get there - so boss Tony Gustavsson will have to dip into his squad a little deeper.

Attacking midfielders Emily van Egmond, Alex Chidiac and Tameka Yallop, who has recovered from a thigh issue, are all in contention to come in for Fowler.

Gustavsson made a big call to include Kyah Simon in his squad as she continues to recover from an ACL injury.

The hope was the Tottenham attacker would give the team a timely boost in the later part of the tournament but that decision will be seriously scrutinised if the co-hosts slip up against a strong Nigeria and leave themselves needing a result in their final group game against Canada.

The Canadians face Ireland in Perth on Wednesday. If Vera Pauw's team can avoid defeat, and Nigeria pinch something against Australia, it would set up a mouthwatering last round of fixtures with all four countries in the mix to make the last 16.

Watch Republic of Ireland v Canada in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player on Wednesday at 1pm, follow a live blog on RTÉ.ie/Sport and the RTÉ News app or listen to live commentary on 2fm