Mary Fowler has been ruled out of the Matildas’ upcoming friendlies against Germany and Haiti due to personal circumstances. Football Australia confirmed on Tuesday morning that the Manchester City attacker would not feature in the October international window, and called four-cap Charlton midfielder Leah Davidson into the squad in her place.
“Mary Fowler has been withdrawn from the October international window due to personal circumstances,” Football Australia said in a statement. “The decision was made following discussions between Fowler, Manchester City and Matildas staff.”
Her absence is a significant setback for coach Joe Montemurro. The 23-year-old has been in terrific form at club level for Manchester City and, as Australia’s best creative attacking player, would likely have played a key role in both matches. The Matildas are already without star midfielder Kyra Cooney-Cross for this window.
Australia face Germany in Karlsruhe on Saturday AEDT and Haiti in Chambly next Wednesday, with the two games serving as critical preparation for next year’s World Cup. Montemurro has been keen to test his side against a variety of opponents: world No 3 Germany represent an ominous prospect, while world No 47 Haiti carry a threat through Melchie Dumornay, a former Lyon teammate of Ellie Carpenter and, in the source’s assessment, one of the best attackers in the world.
Davidson, 25, has been rewarded for an off-season move from Melbourne City to England’s top flight with newly promoted Charlton. The midfielder has four caps and one goal for her country. She joins a squad in which every player except Melbourne Victory goalkeeper Courtney Newbon is based overseas, with Newbon, Hana Lowry and Tori Tumeth the only uncapped members of the group.
Fowler’s partner, NRL player Nathan Cleary, is recovering in Australia after surgery following a severe ankle break sustained in the Panthers’ preliminary final loss to the Knights. He also underwent an operation on a stress fracture in his right foot and faces a lengthy period of recuperation.