Mary Fowler ruled out of Matildas friendlies due to ‘personal circumstances’

Manchester City attacker to miss Germany and Haiti gamesCharlton midfielder Leah Davidson called into Australia squad

Matildas star Mary Fowler has been ruled out of upcoming friendly matches against Germany and Haiti due to personal circumstances.

Football Australia confirmed on Tuesday morning Fowler would not feature in the upcoming international window, with four-cap Charlton midfielder Leah Davidson called up in her place.

“Mary Fowler has been withdrawn from the October international window due to personal circumstances,” FA said in a statement. “The decision was made following discussions between Fowler, Manchester City and Matildas staff.”

Fowler’s partner, NRL player Nathan Cleary, is recovering in Australia from surgery after suffering a horrific ankle break in the Panthers’ preliminary final loss to the Knights. He also under went an operation on a stress fracture in his right foot and is facing a lengthy period of recuperation.

Fowler’s absence is a blow for coach Joe Montemurro ahead of the two important friendlies.

The 23-year-old has been in terrific form for club Manchester City and likely would have played a key role in both games as Australia’s best creative attacking player.

The Matildas are already without star midfielder Kyra Cooney-Cross for this window.

The games against Germany in Karlsruhe on Saturday AEDT and Haiti in Chambly next Wednesday serve as critical preparation for next year’s World Cup.

But forward Holly McNamara, fresh from a move from Melbourne City to Everton, says the Matildas won’t linger on Fowler’s absence.

“We’ve had people coming in and out for the last little while, so you get used to it,” McNamara said.

“Especially in a national team set-up where you don’t have much time. You have about 10 days usually on a camp.

“You have to adapt pretty quickly to new players ... because you actually don’t have time to sit around and wait. Whoever’s in the team learns that pretty quickly and hopefully we can do that this week.”

Matildas veteran Hayley Raso couldn’t offer an explanation to Fowler’s absence.

“I haven’t spoken to Mary. I only just found out the news myself,” Raso said.

“Mary’s a really valuable player for our team, so it’s sad that she’s not here at this camp.

“She has to take care of some personal circumstances, and we’re really happy that Leah’s here and looking forward to welcoming her back into the team.”

Montemurro has been keen to test his Matildas team against a variety of opponents.

World No 3 Germany are an ominous prospect while world No 47 Haiti have the powers of Ellie Carpenter’s former Lyon teammate Melchie Dumornay, one of the best attackers in the world.

Davidson, 25, has been rewarded after making an off-season move from Melbourne City to England’s top flight with newly-promoted Charlton. The midfielder has four caps and one goal since her debut in 2024.

Every player in the squad except Melbourne Victory goalkeeper Courtney Newbon is based overseas. Newbon, Hana Lowry and Tori Tumeth are the only uncapped players in the squad.