Manchester City defender Alanna Kennedy and Arsenal forward Caitlin Foord have pulled out of the latest Australia squad through injury.
FAWSL Full-Time were informed of the news via an official Football Australia press release this morning.
Experienced defender Kennedy has been ruled out of action with what Australia have labelled ‘a late acquired injury’ while Arsenal forward Foord sustained a hamstring injury in the club’s 2-1 victory over Manchester City at the LV Bet Stadium on Sunday. Both players will now work with their respective club doctors to regain their match fitness.
The injuries are a real blow for both Kennedy and Foord with the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 now a little over three months away. The April camp is undoubtedly a missed opportunity for the pair to impress head coach Tony Gustavsson further before the tournament kicks-off.
The April window sees Australia face two British opponents in international friendlies. The CommBank Matildas face Scotland at AFC Wimbledon’s Cherry Red Records Stadium on Friday before taking on UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 winners England at the Gtech Community Stadium in Brentford next Tuesday.
Football Australia have confirmed that Amy Sayer and Matilda McNamara have replaced Kennedy and Foord in the squad.