Matildas captain Sam Kerr and midfielder Mary Fowler have completed recent club commitments in England, featuring in Women's Super League and FA Cup matches, ahead of their return to Australia for the Women's Asian Cup. Both players participated in recent fixtures following periods of injury. Kerr arrived in Perth on Tuesday as preparations for the tournament's start on Sunday intensify.
Player Returns and Club Performances
Mary Fowler made her return to competitive play after an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury sustained in the previous season's Women's FA Cup semifinal. She entered as a substitute for Manchester City in the 75th minute of their 5-1 Women's Super League victory over Chelsea.
This marked Mary Fowler's first appearance in nine-and-a-half months.
Goals for Manchester City in this match were scored by Vivianne Miedema and Khadija Shaw. This result positioned Manchester City 11 points clear of Manchester United and 12 points clear of Chelsea in the WSL standings. Fowler later made her first start in 315 days for Manchester City in their 4-0 Women's FA Cup win against Sheffield United, playing 63 minutes and having an attempt at goal.
Sam Kerr, for Chelsea, also participated in recent club fixtures. In her 150th appearance for the club, she scored a goal against Manchester United in the Women's FA Cup fifth round. Kerr entered the match as a 72nd-minute substitute and scored within six minutes. Chelsea secured a 2-1 victory in extra-time in that match.
Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor commented on Kerr's impact, stating that players on the bench are "really important" and can "make an impact when they come in."
During the Women's Super League match, Chelsea's only goal against Manchester City was scored by Alyssa Thompson. Matildas captain Sam Kerr was introduced early in the second half of that game.
Other Matildas Players in Club Action
Other English-based Matildas also completed club commitments:
- Ellie Carpenter contributed an assist for Chelsea.
- Caitlin Foord and Steph Catley played in Arsenal's 3-0 victory over Bristol City, with Foord earning a penalty.
- Brighton defeated Katrina Gorry's West Ham 2-1.
- Clare Wheeler's Everton lost 2-1 to Liverpool.
Women's Asian Cup Preparations
The Women's Asian Cup is scheduled to begin on Sunday, March 1, with host nation Australia facing the Philippines at Optus Stadium in Perth. Perth is set to host 10 matches during the tournament, including two quarterfinals and a semifinal.
Sam Kerr arrived in Perth before midnight on Tuesday, accompanied by her wife Kristie Mewis and son Jagger. Her parents, Roger and Roxanne, greeted the family at Perth Airport. Kerr traveled on the same flight as Matildas teammate Clare Hunt. The remaining members of the squad not already in Perth are expected to arrive on Wednesday.
Kerr, who returned to play in September last year following an ACL injury, indicated her readiness for the tournament.
She stated that her surgically-repaired knee felt "completely fine."
Regarding the Matildas' prospects, Kerr said, "We'll take it one game at a time," and acknowledged the home crowd advantage. She also mentioned uncertainty about her son Jagger's attendance at games due to late starting times. Matildas coach Joe Montemurro also commented on Kerr, noting "a buzz in the air" when speaking to her.