Matildas captain Sam Kerr is on the mend from a torn ACL, but interim coach Tom Sermanni is eager to bring the injured striker back into the fold for upcoming friendlies against Switzerland and Germany. The call-up comes as Sermanni names a 23-player squad for his first assignment since resuming his role as head coach of the Matildas. Among the notable inclusions is rising star Daniela Galic, while pacey winger Cortnee Vine will be absent from the matches scheduled for Zurich on October 25 and Duisburg on October 28 (local time).
Sermanni, who first coached Kerr when she made her national debut at the age of 15 in 2009, is currently in discussions about her participation in the training camp. This would mark Kerr’s return to the national team setup following her serious knee injury earlier this year. She has not played since suffering the injury in January, missing both Australia’s lackluster Olympic campaign and the latter half of Chelsea’s 2023-24 season in the Women’s Super League (WSL).
“I had a productive conversation with Sam,” Sermanni stated. “She is still in recovery and is appropriately taking the necessary time to heal. Given her experience and current stage in her career, it is crucial for her not to rush back prematurely.”
Sermanni continued, “I’ve spoken to her about potentially joining the camp for our European matches, and we are still discussing it. Some players are eager to join regardless of their fitness level, while others who are injured often prefer to stay away from the team environment.”
Though Kerr is not expected to return to action until late this year or early 2025, her presence could significantly uplift the squad as they embark on a new chapter following an early exit at the Paris 2024 Olympics, which led to Football Australia parting ways with former coach Tony Gustavsson. Sermanni expressed confidence in Kerr’s ability to inspire the team, saying, “Just having her around the camp is a positive influence.”
“It’s always beneficial to have someone of her caliber, who is now a seasoned player and leader within the team,” he added.
Galic, 18, has earned her first call-up to the Matildas after a standout season with FC Twente, where she has netted one goal in five matches since transferring from Melbourne City. She was recognized as the A-League Women’s Young Player of the Year last season.
In contrast, Vine, a hero in the Women’s World Cup penalty shootout, has been excluded from the squad due to personal reasons. She had also opted out of the Olympic qualifiers against Uzbekistan in February. The winger, who transitioned from Sydney FC to North Carolina Courage before the NWSL season, has made just three appearances for her new club, scoring once.
“I had a great conversation with Cortnee,” Sermanni noted. “She has recently joined the NWSL in America and needs a bit more time to acclimate to her new surroundings. She wants to ensure that when she returns to the Matildas, she is fully prepared and focused.”
Despite a challenging start to her WSL season, Steph Catley has been appointed captain. Other seasoned players, including Mary Fowler, Ellie Carpenter, Caitlin Foord, Kyra Cooney-Cross, and first-choice goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold, have also been selected. The squad predominantly features experienced players based in Europe, with only four players from the current A-League Women included. More Australia-based players are anticipated to join the roster for matches against Brazil and Taiwan scheduled for November and December on home soil.
Sermanni will meet the squad for the first time since taking charge in September. Meanwhile, Football Australia continues its search for a permanent head coach to lead the women’s national team ahead of the Asian Cup 2026, set to take place in Australia. The 70-year-old coach previously led the Matildas to the Asian Cup title in 2010 and has committed to promoting a “dynamic, attacking style of play” this time around, in contrast to a more pragmatic approach in previous campaigns.
Matildas Squad:
- Goalkeepers: Mackenzie Arnold, Chloe Lincoln, Jada Whyman
- Defenders: Ellie Carpenter, Steph Catley (captain), Charli Grant, Winonah Heatley, Clare Hunt, Alanna Kennedy, Courtney Nevin, Clare Polkinghorne
- Midfielders: Kyra Cooney-Cross, Daniela Galic, Katrina Gorry, Emily van Egmond, Clare Wheeler, Tameka Yallop
- Forwards: Caitlin Foord, Mary Fowler, Sharn Freier, Michelle Heyman, Hayley Raso, Kaitlyn Torpey
Related topics:
- BLUETTI Unveils Portable Power Deals for October Prime Day
- Life Time Unveils Details for 2025 Grand Prix Series
- Wellfit Launches Compact Under-Desk Walking Pad for Home Fitness