Despite another major blow to the Matildas, with superstar captain Sam Kerr ruled out of the Australian’s friendlies against Canada due to a foot injury, a debutant will get her chance overseas.
Twenty-year-old Sarah Hunter is in line to make her Matildas debut.
Alex Chidiac has also been reinstated in the squad for the upcoming two-match series against Canada after three injuries – aside from Kerr – led to a shake-up.
READ MORE: Aussie amateur golfer leads Australian Open
READ MORE: Luai bombshell pinned on notorious agent
READ MORE: NFL star joining the AFL after Super Bowl blunder
World Cup heroes Mackenzie Arnold and Charlotte Grant, along with elevated prospect Holly McNamara have been ruled out of the international friendlies with injury.
Here is everything you need to know about the Matildas’ two-game series against Canada.
When and where are the Matildas’ international friendlies against Canada?
Game one: Canada v Australia, 2.30pm AEDT, Saturday December 2 at Starlight Stadium, Langford
Game two: Canada v Australia, 2pm AEDT, Wednesday, December 6 at BC Place, Vancouver
Who is in the Matildas’ final squad?
OUT: Sam Kerr (foot), Mackenzie Arnold (arm), Charlotte Grant (hamstring), Holly McNamara (knee)
IN: Sarah Hunter, Alex Chidiac, Remy Siemsen, Jada Whyman
Ellie Carpenter (Olympique Lyon), Steph Catley (Arsenal WFC), Alex Chidiac (Tigres UANL Femenil on loan from Racing Louisville), Kyra Cooney-Cross (Arsenal WFC), Caitlin Foord (Arsenal WFC), Mary Fowler (Manchester City WFC), Katrina Gorry, Clare Hunt (Paris Saint-Germain FC), Sarah Hunter (Paris FC), Alanna Kennedy (Manchester City WFC), Aivi Luik (BK Häcken FF), Teagan Micah (Liverpool WFC), Courtney Nevin (Leicester City WFC), Clare Polkinghorne (Vittsjö GIK), Hayley Raso (Real Madrid Femenino), Charlize Rule (Brighton & Hove Albion), Amy Sayer (Kristianstads DFF), Remy Siemsen (Leicester City WFC), Emily van Egmond (Newcastle Jets on loan from San Diego Wave FC), Clare Wheeler (Everton WFC), Jada Whyman (Sydney FC), Lydia Williams (Melbourne Victory FC), Tameka Yallop (Brisbane Roar FC).
https://twitter.com/TheMatildas/status/1730154324515586470
How to watch the Matildas’ international friendlies against Canada?
Both matches will be broadcast free to air on Channel 10 and available to stream on Paramount+.
Tony Gustavsson’s future as Matildas’ coach:
Despite saying he has “unfinished business” with the Matildas, coach Tony Gustavsson has denied interviewing for the Sweden men’s head coaching job.
Gustavsson put himself on the radar of multiple nations following the Matilda’s impressive World Cup campaign in August, and was also linked to the US women’s head coaching role, which has since been handed to Chelsea coach Emma Hayes.
In a statement, Gustavsson dispelled rumours of a move to his homeland, re-stating his commitment to the Matildas as the team prepares for the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
“I’m passionate about the CommBank Matildas and, as I have stated before, I’m fully focused on qualification and participation at the Paris 2024 Olympics,” he said.
“Our team’s journey towards this goal is my primary focus and commitment.”
Who’s in Canada’s squad?
GOALKEEPERS: Kailen Sheridan, Sabrina D’Angelo, Lysianne Proulx
DEFENDERS: Sydney Collins, Kadeisha Buchanan, Shelina Zadorsky, Jayde Riviere, Ashley Lawrence, Vanessa Gilles, Gabrielle Carle, Jade Rose, Bianca St-Georges
MIDFIELDERS: Quinn, Sophie Schmidt, Jessie Fleming, Simi Awujo, Jeneva Hernandez Gray
FORWARDS: Jordyn Huitema, Christine Sinclair, Nichelle Prince, Adriana Leon, Cloe Lacasse, Olivia Smith, Latifah Abdu