by Football fans in Queensland and Victoria will not be able to see Mary Fowler in upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Taiwan after the Matildas forward withdrew from the Australian squad due to mental and physical fatigue.
The team is already without striker Sam Kerr as he continues his rehabilitation from a serious knee injury, as well as winger Cortnee Vine who has taken a break from football for mental health reasons.
Related: Matildas winger Cortnee Vine takes break from football for mental health reasons
Fowler has been an important player this season for Manchester City – who sit second in the Women’s Premier League behind first-place leaders Chelsea – and made four appearances in 14 days earlier this month.
The 21-year-old said she didn’t take playing for the Matildas for granted and it was an honor to don the gold jersey. “However, through my past experiences, I have realized that my mind and body are also things that I should never take for granted,” she said.
“I have decided to take this time to prioritize recovery in order to refresh myself mentally and physically, so that I can continue to give my best for club and country.”
Fowler will still travel to Australia from Manchester during the international window, but will instead spend time with family.
Thanks to her significant contribution during the Matildas’ run to the semi-finals of last year’s Women’s World Cup, and buoyed by her relationship with NRL star Nathan Cleary, Fowler has become the face of Australian football, especially during his prolonged absence. by Kerr.
But she had to do her best to secure a place in City’s first XI after coming off the bench to start the season at the club which has title ambitions in the domestic competition and Champions League.
“Over the past few months, playing with an increasingly demanding schedule has been both exciting but also challenging at times,” Fowler said.
Related: Sam Kerr and his partner Kristie Mewis announce they are having a baby
“I love being able to play at the highest level in my sport, but recognizing that sometimes my mind and body also need rest has been an invaluable lesson for me. »
Fowler said she appreciates everyone’s support and understanding, “and I hope to see you soon.”
Vine has made herself unavailable during the last two international windows and released a statement two weeks ago saying her life had changed dramatically over the past two years. She said she “found that identifying, managing and prioritizing my mental health has become something I have to work really hard at”.
The Matildas face Brazil in Brisbane on Thursday and the Gold Coast on Sunday, before matches against Taiwan in Melbourne and Geelong next week.
