FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023: Australia left with one striker after another injury blow

The absence of skipper Kerr and Fowler, who scored in the 1-0 friendly win over France on the eve of the World Cup, leaves the Matildas with Arsenal’s Caitlin Foord as their only recognised striker.

Mary Fowler of Australia shoots at goal while Ruesha Littlejohn of Republic of Ireland attempts to block during the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group B match between Australia and Ireland at Stadium Australia on July 20, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

Australia suffered another Women’s World Cup blow on Wednesday when striker Mary Fowler -- who replaced missing Sam Kerr in its opening match -- was also sidelined with injury.

The Manchester City forward Fowler suffered a mild concussion in training and is out of the game with Nigeria on Thursday in Brisbane.

Chelsea superstar Kerr will also again be missing with a calf injury that kept her out of the co-hosts’ opening match, a 1-0 win over Ireland.

The absence of skipper Kerr and Fowler, who scored in the 1-0 friendly win over France on the eve of the World Cup, leaves the Matildas with Arsenal’s Caitlin Foord as their only recognised striker.

Defender Aivi Luik, who was a substitute against Ireland, was also ruled out of the Nigeria game.

“Forward Mary Fowler and defender Aivi Luik will be unavailable for Thursday night’s clash with Nigeria,” the co-hosts said.

“Both players have been ruled out after sustaining mild concussions in separate incidents at training on Tuesday.”

Kerr has been ruled out of at least Australia’s first two games, but it will be desperate to have her back for its final Group B match, against Canada on July 31 in Melbourne.