The Matildas this week entered their final Australian preparation camp before departing for Germany on June 14 for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2011.
Two WAIS-AIS scholarship holders in Collette McCallum and Sam Kerr will look to secure their world cup spots in the Matildas squad ahead of the first clash with world football heavyweight Brazil on June 29.
Matildas Head Coach Tom Sermanni will take a reduced 24 player squad into the final camp following the withdrawal of Sarah Walsh and Kylie Ledbrook.
Walsh, who has been valiantly battling back from a long term knee injury, made the decision not to risk further damage by attempting a race to be fit in time for the opening match against Brazil in Moenchengladbach.
“It was an extremely difficult decision to make as my knee has been progressing very well through training,” said Walsh.
“However the (FIFA Women’s) World Cup was a few steps ahead in relation to where I am in my rehab, and pushing it wasn’t in the best interest of my knee at this stage and instead I will be focusing on getting myself fully fit for the Olympic qualifiers in September.
“I have great confidence in the team Tommy is taking, and it’s a really exciting time given all the potential our youngsters have.”
Lisa De Vanna will return to the squad following her expulsion from the Matildas camp in May.
“Lisa has been allowed to return to the squad and will rejoin the team on the Gold Coast later this week,” said Sermanni.
“There are some basic obligations Lisa has to perform to remain in the team and given she performs these to our satisfaction she has every chance of making the final squad to Germany.”
Sermanni will announce his final 21 player squad destined for Germany at a press conference in Sydney on June 8.
Matildas training camp
Gold Coast, Carrara Sports Fields
1-7 June 2011
– Football West
