Matildas face injury crisis as star trio ruled out; young gun gets first call-up

Key Matildas Katrina Gorry, Clare Hunt and Courtney Nevin have been sidelined by injury ahead of the Olympics and will miss an upcoming friendly against Mexico, joining an injury list that also includes superstar captain Sam Kerr.

Gorry declared it was time to “face this next challenge” after her stint with West Ham in the UK was ended by an ankle injury.

She joins Hunt (foot) and Nevin (hip) in being ruled out of the Matildas’ upcoming training camp and international friendly against Mexico in the US during the April FIFA women’s international window.

It was confirmed there was “no current return to play timeline” for the three players, but Paris Saint-Germain manager Jocelyn Prêcheur expected Hunt to be sidelined for a month.

Gorry (ankle) was forced from the field during West Ham’s Women’s Super League clash on Sunday afternoon against Chelsea and posted a picture on social media of herself on crutches and wearing a moon boot.

“Thank you everyone for all your messages. Unfortunately my season with West Ham has been cut short,” she said in her message.

“I’ve spent the last few days sitting with my emotions and now it’s times to face this next challenge and trust in my body to come back stronger and more in love with the game.”

Hunt and Leicester City defender Nevin were both unavailable for their respective club fixtures over the weekend as their injuries became clear.  

The trio will remain in their club environments with no return to play timelines set as further treatment evaluation continues. 

In their place, forward Emily Gielnik (Melbourne Victory FC), defender Winonah Heatley (FC Nordsjælland) and winger Sharn Freier (Brisbane Roar FC) have been called up to the Matildas squad.

Gielnik has tallied seven