Super Falcons’ World Cup foe left with one striker after another injury blow

Australian forward Mary Fowler in action against Ireland. She will not be available for the Matildas in their upcoming game against Nigeria’s Super Falcons. Photo: ALAMY

Australia’s Women’s World Cup campaign has been hit with another blow as striker Mary Fowler, who replaced the missing Sam Kerr in their opening match, is also sidelined with injury.

Fowler, who suffered a mild concussion in training, will miss Thursday’s game against Nigeria.

This comes after Chelsea superstar Kerr was already ruled out due to a calf injury that kept her from playing in the co-hosts’ first match, a 1-0 victory over Ireland.

Kerr has also been ruled out of the Nigeria game but the tournament co-hosts will be desperate to have her back for their final Group B match, against Canada on 31 July in Melbourne.

“Forward Mary Fowler and defender Aivi Luik will be unavailable for Thursday night’s clash with Nigeria,” Team Australia said in a statement. “Both players have been ruled out after sustaining mild concussions in separate incidents at training on Tuesday.”

The absence of Kerr and Fowler leaves the Matildas with Arsenal’s Caitlin Foord as their only recognized striker. Additionally, defender Aivi Luik, who was a substitute against Ireland, will also be unavailable for the Nigeria game due to injury.

The injury crisis may be a boost for Nigeria’s Super Falcons as Group B is now wide open. Ireland, on the other hand, must avoid defeat against Canada in their upcoming match in Perth to keep their hopes alive.

The co-hosts are hopeful to have Kerr back for their final Group B match against Canada on July 31 in Melbourne. Nigeria’s last group game is against Ireland on the same day in Brisbane.

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