Matildas swing change for injured Alleway

Uncapped teenager Karly Roestbakken has been handed the chance of a lifetime, called up to the Women's World Cup to replace injured defender Laura Alleway.

The Young Matildas and Canberra United defender has joined up with the squad ahead of Sunday's opening match with Italy.

The plan to replace Alleway has been some time in the making, with Roestbakken arriving into the squad's Eindhoven camp two days ago as coach Ante Milicic sweated on the health of his experienced defender.

Team officials publicly downplayed the risk of Alleway's injury.

Last Saturday, Milicic described Alleway's injury as a "training ground knock, a step on her foot."

"She she went to try and a couple of days ago and just had discomfort there ... (she) could take a couple of days, might take a couple of longer, but we'll be sensible with her," he said.

On Thursday, her tournament was over before it began.

"This is an unfortunate situation for Laura and as a group we feel for her," he said.

"We have given her every opportunity to return to full fitness ahead of the tournament, but with our first match now just days away we needed to make a call which has provided Karly a fantastic opportunity."

Alleway, a central defender, was behind Clare Polkinghorne and Alanna Kennedy in the Matildas pecking order but helped Melbourne Victory to the W-League premiership this season with inspired play.

The 29-year-old has missed out on playing at her third World Cup, and given her age, is unlikely to get another chance.

Roestbakken was hailed by Matildas assistant coach Gary van Egmond when he led her in the Young Matildas tour to Myanmar last month.

The 18-year-old has never featured in a senior national team squad, but may earn her first cap on the biggest stage in the sport.