FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023: Mary Fowler ruled out of Nigeria clash with concussion

Mary Fowler and Aivi Luik are both injured and can't play for the Matildas in their second World Cup match.

Both got mild concussions while working on Tuesday, so they won't be able to play against Nigeria at Suncorp Stadium on Thursday.

The Matildas released a statement before their final Brisbane training session announcing the news.

After suffering slight concussions in training, Mary Fowler and Aivi Luik have been ruled out of Thursday's match against Nigeria.

Although both have made a full recovery, they will not play for another six days in order to comply with the Football Australia gradual return to play policy.

Kyah Simon (knee) and Clare Polkinghorne (ankle) are still hurt, which is a setback for the Matildas.

Gustavsson told Optus Sport that he had no doubts about picking Simon, even though she was coming back from an injury.

"There's a reason I chose Kyah. The way she helps the team with her knowledge, personality, and spirit off the field and in the locker room.

We knew she wouldn't play much, but we picked her up for the playoffs in case she was ready to come off the bench for a few minutes, and she's been a game-changer for us ever since.

Another huge factor is that she has taken penalty kicks under intense pressure before. Therefore, we have no cause for regret; she is an integral part of our squad.

I totally understand and accept that there will be rumors now that we don't have three or four ways to attack, which makes it a bigger deal than it might have been in normal circumstances. I totally get that, but I don't have any regrets from my point of view."

When Gustavsson was pressed for confirmation on whether or not Fowler's injury would prevent her from playing against Canada, she responded by saying, "I don't want to go into details but football is football and sometimes things happen." During our training session, the pace was really high, and sadly, some of our players received head injuries. At this point, it is up to the medical staff to determine whether or not the injured players will be able to participate in the game.

"Due to the concussion protocol, they are unable to participate in this game, and one thing that this team has demonstrated in the past is that they are really adaptable to change. Now that we know who is available, we deal with it."

"These players know we're in tournament mode to stay away from ugly tackles," said the coach, "so there were no ugly tackles involved, there were no teammates involved, no nothing, just unlucky in a high tempo eight vs. eight games when we want to work on the tempo."

When Fowler scored the game-winning goal in Matilda's final tune-up match against France at Marvel Stadium, she shot to fame.

This is devastating news for Australia, who will be without their captain Sam Kerr for the entirety of the World Cup's group stage after he suffered a calf injury on the eve of the tournament.

Kerr took part in a solo training session on a Wednesday morning, which is a positive sign for his fitness.

To begin, a trainer will lead you on a lap around the field. Her calves did not appear to be strapped in any way.

Alex Chidiac, a promising midfielder, appears to be the team's top pick to start against Nigeria.

The 24-year-old is a fan favorite and is known affectionately as "Chids."

She first gained recognition in the Australian Premier League (A-League), where she played for Melbourne Victory, Adelaide United, Melbourne City, and Adelaide City before moving abroad to play for JEF United Chiba and Atletico de Madrid, respectively.

She represents South Australia alongside Charli Grant, another member of the squad.

Several of Chidiac's teammates have predicted that, if given the opportunity, she will shine at this year's World Cup.

Mary Fowler could be replaced with Emily van Egmond.

The Matildas are now in first place in Group B after a win versus Ireland. They have a two-point advantage over their nearest competitors.