Matildas Grapple with Injury Concerns on Eve of Asian Cup Campaign
The Australian women's national football team, known as the Matildas, is confronting a significant goalkeeper crisis just twenty-four hours before their opening match in the 2026 Women's Asian Cup against the Philippines. Veteran goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold, who was expected to start following Teagan Micah's withdrawal due to concussion issues, has not participated in full training sessions with the squad during their preparations in Perth.
Montemurro Remains Noncommittal on Starting Lineup
Head coach Joe Montemurro declined to confirm his starting eleven during a press conference on Saturday, stating that no final decisions have been made regarding the lineup. "We've got it in control with our medical staff and we'll make some decisions in the next twenty-four hours," Montemurro explained. He emphasized the challenging lead-in to the tournament, noting that many players have been managing individual recovery scenarios.
Arnold, celebrated as one of the heroes of the 2023 Women's World Cup, has been limited to light training alongside fellow goalkeepers Jada Whyman, who has yet to earn a cap for the Matildas, and Chloe Lincoln, who possesses just three international appearances. Another uncapped keeper, Morgan Aquino, has been training with the squad but was not included in the final twenty-six-player roster for the Asian Cup.
Additional Fitness Concerns Plague the Squad
The uncertainty surrounding Arnold's availability represents the most pressing issue in a series of health concerns affecting the team. Midfielder Kyra Cooney-Cross has experienced a disrupted preparation after returning to Australia from Europe in January to spend time with her mother, who is battling incurable bile duct cancer. Montemurro described Cooney-Cross's absence from training on Saturday as "all precaution," indicating that the staff is planning strategically for the tournament.
Captain Sam Kerr admitted that she is still not at full fitness following her recovery from a knee injury sustained in January 2024. "I'm probably about eighty-five percent and above," Kerr revealed. "I don't want to say I'm at one hundred percent yet, I haven't had one of those games yet where I felt completely myself." Forward Mary Fowler is also in the process of recovering from a knee injury, though she expressed feeling "really good" after starting her first match for Manchester City recently.
Philippines Coach Prepares for Challenging Encounter
Philippines coach Mark Torcaso, an Australian who has previously coached in the A-League Women, acknowledged that facing the Matildas will be a special occasion. He affirmed that his team will not shy away from the challenge, stating, "We're just going to be there and be annoying and constantly be pushing, and I know that the girls will fight." The match promises to be a compelling start to Australia's campaign in the prestigious continental tournament.
