In revealing the Australia 2023 Women’s World Cup squad, Tony Gustavsson, the coach of Australia, has included Kyah Simon and Alanna Kennedy, who are currently injured.
Simon, an experienced striker, was unable to participate in the 2019 tournament due to injury and has been out of action since October last year after tearing her anterior cruciate ligament.
Gustavsson mentioned that Simon, who has played in 111 matches for Australia, was not expected to be ready for the first game against Ireland on July 20. However, due to his significant role as a game-changer, he would not be left out of the squad.
“She’s not selected on where she is now. She’s selected on where we think she can be in a month from now,” he told reporters at the Matildas’ new base in Melbourne on Monday.
“She’s based on being a game-changer off the bench.”
Defender Kennedy, who had a difficult season with Manchester City due to injuries, has been selected. However, midfielder Chloe Logarzo has been left out after being released by Kansas City in March and struggling with foot issues following a previous knee injury. Forward Emily Gielnik, with 57 international appearances, was initially included in the squad but was later excluded due to an ankle injury sustained in March and being released by Aston Villa.
The team consists of 15 players who were part of the 2019 squad in the previous World Cup held in France. Seven players will be making their first appearance in the World Cup, including defender Clare Hunt and forward Cortnee Vine.
Some players are working hard to recover from injuries, such as Tameka Yallop and Claire Polkinghorne, who has 156 international caps as a center back. However, Gustavsson expressed confidence in having enough resources to handle the tournament.
“The medical team has been busy, very busy,” he said. “We can’t wait to get the tournament under way.”
The Matildas have been placed in Group B alongside Ireland, Nigeria, and Canada for the tournament that will be co-hosted by New Zealand from July 20 to August 20.
Australia 2023 Women’s World Cup Squad
Goalkeepers: Mackenzie Arnold, Teagan Micah, Lydia Williams
Defenders: Ellie Carpenter, Steph Catley, Charlotte Grant, Clare Hunt, Alanna Kennedy, Aivi Luik, Courtney Nevin, Clare Polkinghorne
Midfielders: Alex Chidiac, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Katrina Gorry, Emily van Egmond, Clare Wheeler, Tameka Yallop
Forwards: Caitlin Foord, Mary Fowler, Sam Kerr, Hayley Raso, Kyah Simon, Cortnee Vine.
READ ALSO: How Dominik Szoboszlai fits in Klopp’s team
