Australia dealt Mary Fowler injury blow against Nigeria

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup co-hosts Australia will miss forward Mary Fowler ahead of its second Group B encounter with Nigeria’s senior women’s national team on Thursday.

After defender Aivi Luik blow, the Matildas forward has been ruled out of her side’s second Women’s World Cup match after she suffered a concussion in training on Tuesday.

“Forward Mary Fowler and defender Aivi Luik will be unavailable for Thursday night’s clash with Nigeria with both players having been ruled out after sustaining mild concussions in separate incidents at training on Tuesday,” a statement from the Australian FA read.

The forward featured in the team’s opening game against debutant, the Republic of Ireland as the Matildas picked a 1-0 win.

Fowler’s injury made it two key players that will be missing from the team for the clash with the nine-time African champions.

Sam Kerr who suffered a calf injury and missed the first game would also not take part in the second Group B match.

Australia face the African side in Brisbane on 27 July knowing a win would guarantee them progression from Group B into the round of 16, following their 1-0 victory over the Irish at Stadium Australia.

The injury to the duo has left Australia with few options upfront on Thursday. Emily van Egmond and Alex Chidiac are among the players in contention to replace Fowler, while Everton forward Clare Wheeler is also an option.

The Super Falcons will hope to keep Africa’s hope alive at the tournament after Zambia crashed out, while Morocco and South Africa’s hope hang in the balance ahead of their second group games.