Worst fears confirmed for Matildas star Mary Fowler after knee injury

[ad_1] Matildas star Mary Fowler has ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and is in a race towards time to play in subsequent yr's house Asian Cup.

Manchester Metropolis had been hopeful the good winger had averted the dreaded harm, suffered when she appeared to wrench her proper knee whereas overstretching for the ball on Sunday.

The harm compelled Fowler out of the FA Cup semi last towards Manchester United, which Metropolis finally misplaced 2-0.

Metropolis interim supervisor Nick Cushing had admitted it "would not look nice imminently" however stated Metropolis have been "not fearing the worst."

However scans confirmed the 22-year-old had suffered the dreaded harm, which suggests a full knee reconstruction.

"Manchester Metropolis can verify Mary Fowler has suffered a rupture to her anterior cruciate ligament," Metropolis stated in an announcement.

"Mary will stay underneath the care of the membership's medical group and begin her rehabilitation.

"Everybody at Metropolis needs Mary all the most effective on a full and speedy restoration."

It should probably rule Fowler out for near a yr, in a hammer blow to Australia's hopes subsequent March of successful the Girls's Asian Cup for the primary time since 2010.

The attacker has been in dynamic type for Metropolis, scoring 10 targets throughout all competitions, and underlined her means with a starring position in Australia's friendlies towards South Korea earlier this month.

"I am actually disenchanted to be going through a while out of the sport," Fowler stated.

"It is by no means simple when one thing like this occurs particularly while you've been working so onerous and feeling good.

"The street forward can be difficult, however I am able to take it on.

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"There's nonetheless a lot I wish to obtain, and I will be utilizing this time to develop in each means I can.

"I am dedicated to doing the work, staying constructive and coming again higher than ever."

Fowler's harm additionally means the brand new Matildas coach, extensively anticipated to be present Lyon boss Joe Montemurro, can be unable to name on her early of their tenure.

"Everybody within the Matildas and Soccer Australia household — gamers, coaches, and assist workers — can be proper behind Mary as she takes the primary steps towards her comeback," interim coach Tom Sermanni stated.

Shedding Fowler additionally piles extra strain on Arsenal star Caitlin Foord to be Australia's predominant attacking menace.

The Matildas are nonetheless with out skipper Sam Kerr, who suffered the second ruptured ACL of her profession throughout a coaching camp with Chelsea in January 2024.