A star of the Matildas‘ breathtaking World Cup run has been axed for the side’s two-match series against Canada with midfielder Alex Chidiac copping the boot.
Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson named a 23-player squad to face Canada in Canada in December, cutting the 24-year-old Chidiac and making room for striker Charlize Rule, fellow forward Holly McNamara and defender Aivi Luik.
Chidiac was included in the 22-player squad for the second round of Olympic Games qualifiers in October, in which the Matildas comprehensively defeated Iran, the Philippines and Chinese Taipei.
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Brighton & Hove Albion’s Rule earned a call-up for the Canada trip after taking part in October’s camp as a train-on player, while BK Hacken’s Luik was recalled after recovering from injury.
Meanwhile, Melbourne City’s McNamara forced her way back following hat-trick heroics in the A-League Women’s competition last weekend. The 20-year-old is the A-League Women’s Golden Boot leader after four rounds.
The Matildas will use the two-game series against Canada as preparation for the final leg of the Paris 2024 qualifiers, which will see Australia meet Uzbekistan in two matches in pursuit of Olympic Games entry in February.
“We know plenty about Canada with some fierce battles over the past 18 months,” Gustavsson said.
“These final 180 minutes of the year against a nation that has already qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games are the type of preparation matches that are invaluable for the players.”
Gustavsson said the squad for the Canada trip combined “established performers”, such as Sam Kerr, Steph Catley and Alanna Kennedy, with players who had shone in their league form recently, including Rule and McNamara.
“The two matches will allow us to continue evolving our play heading into the final phase of Olympic qualification and beyond against a challenging opponent,” Gustavsson added.
“It is critical to our continued growth as a team and for the players to test ourselves against quality nations.”
The Matildas will take on Canada in Victoria on December 2 (AEDT) and Vancouver on December 6.
23-player Matildas squad for Canada series
Mackenzie Arnold, Ellie Carpenter, Steph Catley (vs), Kyra Cooney-Cross, Caitlin Foord, Mary Fowler, Katrina Gorry, Charlotte Grant, Clare Hunt, Alanna Kennedy, Sam Kerr (c), Aivi Luik, Holly McNamara, Teagan Micah, Courtney Nevin, Clare Polkinghorne, Hayley Raso, Charlize Rule, Amy Sayer, Emily van Egmond, Clare Wheeler, Lydia Williams, Tameka Yallop