'Upsetting blow' as young Matilda to miss Olympics
Australia's women's football team has suffered yet another injury blow ahead of the Olympics, with an attacking option ruled out.
Australia's women's football team has suffered yet another injury blow ahead of the Olympics.
Young talent Amy Sayer has become the latest victim of the injury curse plaguing the Matildas.
The 22-year-old injured her knee playing in Sweden at the weekend, and scans have now confirmed a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.
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It's the same injury that will keep superstar striker and captain Sam Kerr out of the Paris 2024 campaign.
"Since returning to the national team set-up in late 2022, Amy has been a positive addition to our team with her attitude and work ethic on and off the pitch," coach Tony Gustavsson said.
"To have suffered this setback is an upsetting blow for Amy and for our Matildas family.
"As always for us, our priority will be on supporting Amy and ensuring she is provided with care and assistance as she needs to navigate this challenging time."
Sayer is an attacking midfielder who has 11 caps for Australia, and scored a goal during February's Olympic qualifiers against Uzbekistan.
She joins a long list of injured players for the Matildas.
Kerr and Holly McNamara are sidelined with knee injuries, while Katrina Gorry, Clare Hunt, Aivi Luik, Emily Gielnik, and Chloe Logarzo are all racing the clock for selection.