Matildas captain Sam Kerr has been ruled out of the final two internationals for 2023 after a foot injury has flared up.
She will sit out Australia’s training camp and the two-match series against Canada, joining Mackenzie Arnold (arm), Charlotte Grant (hamstring) and Holly McNamara (knee) in a crowded casualty ward.
Kerr will remain at Chelsea to receive treatment so young midfielder Sarah Hunter has been given her first senior national team call-up.
The former under-20 World Cup captain, who plays for UEFA Women’s Champions League side Paris FC after leaving Sydney FC, has been in strong form in the French Division 1.
Hunter has been a key member of the under-23 national side in recent years.
Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson has also added forward Remy Siemsen, midfielder Alex Chidiac and goalkeeper Jada Whyman to his squad.
Arnold injured her arm during training for West Ham, Grant was ruled out after being assessed by Matildas medicos while McNamara ruptured her right ACL last week. It is the third time the young gun has suffered the injury and she was devastated to be out long term again.
“This one is really hard to put into words,” McNamara posted on Instagram.
“So grateful for all the support and love, I’ll be back soon!”
Australia travel to Canada to face the World No.10 side in Victoria on Friday (Saturday 2.30am AEDT) before facing them again in Vancouver on Tuesday (Wednesday 2am AEDT).
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