As the Matildas gear up for their upcoming friendlies against South Korea, the excitement surrounding the squad is palpable, albeit tempered by a wave of injuries affecting key players. The Australian women's national team, already facing challenges in their preparations for the Asian Cup, has had to make several last-minute adjustments to their lineup, which has drawn attention from fans and analysts alike.
Melbourne City defender Alexia Apostolakis has been called into the Matildas squad as a train-on player, joining teammates Holly McNamara and Leah Davidson. This marks a significant moment for Apostolakis, who becomes the third City player to join the national camp. Her inclusion comes after the unfortunate injury withdrawals of Ellie Carpenter and Hayley Raso, which opened the door for the young defender to gain invaluable experience at this level.
Apostolakis, only 18 years old, has been a standout performer in her first season with City, featuring in all 25 competitive fixtures across the A-League Women’s season and the AFC Women’s Champions League. She has started all but one of those matches, quickly establishing herself as one of the league’s most consistent young defenders. The upcoming matches against South Korea will provide Apostolakis with an opportunity to further develop her game alongside some of the country’s best players.
The Matildas will take on South Korea in two friendlies, starting this Friday night at Allianz Stadium in Sydney, followed by a second clash on Monday, April 7, 2025, at Newcastle's McDonald Jones Stadium. The first match is set to kick off at 8:00 PM, with fans able to catch the action on Network 10, 10play, and Paramount+.
However, the Matildas' preparations have been significantly impacted by injuries to several key players. Coach Tom Sermanni expressed doubts about the availability of No. 1 goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold, who sustained an arm injury during training. "She's doubtful for Friday. That would be my best description," Sermanni said, noting that Arnold's injury occurred during a routine dive.
Arnold's situation is precarious, and it remains unclear whether she will be fit to play in Monday's match as well. In her absence, Canberra United goalkeeper Sally James has been called up to replace her, while Apostolakis and Tegan Bertolissio step in for the injured Raso and Carpenter.
Both Carpenter and Raso were ruled out after arriving in Sydney, with Carpenter suffering an ankle injury and Raso dealing with a thigh issue. Sermanni confirmed that both players had entered the camp with their respective injuries, hopeful they would recover in time but ultimately deemed unfit to play. "Ellie came in with an ankle that we knew had some issues," Sermanni explained. "Unfortunately, when you're travelling halfway around the world, sometimes that ankle just hasn't settled down, and it's just not worth the risk. She's got important games coming up in the Champions League."
In addition to Carpenter and Raso, the Matildas will also be without midfielder Katrina Gorry, who suffered an ankle injury during a recent club match, and captain Sam Kerr, who continues her recovery from knee surgery. Kerr has not played for the national team since January 2024 and is currently working with the team in a non-playing role. Despite her ongoing recovery, she remains a pivotal figure in the squad.
As the Matildas prepare for these friendlies, they face a tough challenge against South Korea, a team that has historically posed difficulties for Australia. The Matildas have produced a mixed bag of results against Korea in their eight previous encounters, winning only twice while drawing and losing three times. The last meeting between the two teams resulted in a 1-0 defeat for Australia at the 2022 Asian Cup.
With several stars sidelined, the Matildas are looking to their next generation of players to step up. Leah Davidson, who previously made her debut under Sermanni, has been called up again, hoping to make an impact alongside her City teammate, McNamara. McNamara has made a strong return from injury, scoring 10 goals in 12 games, and is considered one of the rising stars to watch.
Meanwhile, Apostolakis and Bertolissio join the squad in a train-on capacity, adding youthful energy to the team as they prepare for the challenges ahead. This new wave of talent is crucial for the Matildas, especially as they aim to turn around their recent performances and build momentum leading into the Asian Cup.
As the team continues to navigate the complexities of injuries and player availability, the focus remains on the upcoming matches against South Korea. These friendlies serve not only as preparation for the Asian Cup but also as a chance for the new recruits to showcase their skills on an international stage.
The Matildas are determined to make a statement with their performances, and despite the setbacks, the squad is filled with potential and determination. Fans will be eager to see how the team adapts and responds to these challenges as they look to regain their competitive edge.
With the first match just around the corner, all eyes will be on Allianz Stadium as the Matildas take the field against South Korea, hoping to secure a positive outcome amidst the uncertainty and changes in their lineup.
