A-Leagues pair in Matildas squad as Raso & Simon return for friendlies

Sydney FC star Cortnee Vine and Brisbane Roar’s Larissa Crummer have been named in the 23-player Matildas squad set to meet South Africa and Denmark in a pair of international friendlies.

With next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup on home soil looming on the horizon, Australia will continue their preparations with a fixture against South Africa on October 8 in London before travelling to Viborg to meet Denmark on October 12 (AEST).

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Fresh from re-signing with Liberty A-League premiers Sydney – who will open their 2022-23 season against Adelaide United on November 20, Vine is once again in the Matildas team after featuring in friendlies against Canada earlier this month.

It’s the same story for Crummer, who maintains her place in the squad, having come off the bench in both losses to Canada in Brisbane and Sydney.

Crummer’s Roar are scheduled to meet Newcastle Jets in round one of the A-League Women campaign on November 19.

Meanwhile, Tottenham’s Kyah Simon and Manchester City’s Hayley Raso will return from injury for next month’s fixtures.

Katrina Gorry, who will return to the Roar in 2022-23, is also part of Tony Gustavsson’s roster.

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However, Alanna Kennedy (thigh) will miss out, while Elise Kellond-Knight continues to be monitored following her return from long-term recovery.

“With only four international windows until the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023, every match has meaning, and every training camp is vital for us to continue building understanding and chemistry in our game plan,” said Matildas head coach Gustavsson.

“Maintaining the core of the squad is still our focus but unfortunately, there are still a couple of players that we will make a call on once we have further medical updates closer to the camp. 

“Last window we saw encouraging periods of how we want to play as a team, and we hope to have more players available for this window to give us the opportunity to get the consistency we are working towards.

“We understand the task ahead of us as a team to prepare for the FIFA Women’s World Cup and we are all committed to keep progressing every window.” 

Matildas squad to face South Africa and Denmark