Stars return to Matildas for Asian Cup
MATILDAS coach Alen Stajcic has restored several key senior internationals to his squad for next month’s Asian Cup.
Kyah Simon, Emily Gielnik, Steph Catley and Hayley Raso were all named in a 23-woman squad despite missing the Algarve Cup with injury.
They have been named without final medical assessments, which will take place in Perth this week ahead of a preparatory friendly with Thailand next Monday. The foursome hasn’t played since the W-League finals but has been given every chance by Stajcic to play in the Jordan-hosted continental championships that double as World Cup qualifiers.
“There is plenty at stake,” Stajcic said.
Australia must finish in the top five from the eight-nation competition to reach the 2019 World Cup in France.
Caitlin Foord (foot) and Amy Harrison (knee) are already miss- ing the tournament through injury.
Stajcic has until the day of the first match, against South Korea on April 8, to name a final squad.
Sam Kerr headlines the group, with regular strikers Lisa De Vanna and Michelle Heyman in tow.
Mainstays Clare Polkinghorne, Lydia Williams, Katrina Gorry, Emily Van Egmond and Elise Kellond-Knight will play crucial roles in the campaign. Aivi Luik returns to the national team after three years out. It follows a stellar campaign for W-League powerhouse Melbourne City.
Champions City and premier Brisbane both provide six players to the squad. Matches with Vietnam and Japan round out Australia’s group.
“We have a good fortnight in Perth before we head to Jordan which allows us to prepare for the tournament in ideal conditions,” Stajcic said.