Matildas superstar Mary Fowler seen running four months after undergoing knee surgery
The Matildas have been dealt several injury blows in the build up to the Asian Cup but Mary Fowler could be on track to return earlier than originally expected.
Fowler was set to race the clock to return in time for the home tournament after she ruptured her ACL during a women's FA Cup semi final in April.
It was a cruel blow for both the national team and her club side Manchester City, who went on to lose the match 2-0 to cross-city rivals Manchester United.
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Return timelines for athletes who undergo ACL surgery can be anywhere from six months to over a year, but Fowler has now shared a promising injury update.
The 22-year-old posted a series of photos back on the pitch training with Manchester City just four months undergoing surgery on her right knee.
Fowler captioned the post: "Boots are back, yay."
Many of Fowler's Matildas teammates shared their joy in the comments.
"What we love to see," Clare Wheeler, who is playing for Everton in the WSL, wrote.
Courtney Nevin, Steph Catley and Charli Grant all commented the heart eyes emoji, while Sam Kerr added the clapping hands emoji.
England international and Man City teammate Alex Greenwood added: "What a sight."
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With next year's home Asian Cup just six months away, Fowler is still racing the clock to be fit for the Matildas.
Following the injury, Fowler remained in North West England to commence her rehabilitation program under Manchester City's medical team.
Football Australia's performance support staff have been closely following her progress.
When asked about Fowler's rehabilitation progress, Matildas coach Joe Montemurro admitted he was confident she would be fit to feature in the Asian Cup.
"She's looking good … she's done really well, she's in a good space," Montemurro said during a press conference after the Asian Cup draw was revealed in Sydney last month.
"She should be hopefully back playing before November."
The injury update came just hours before Fowler was named in the Professional Footballers' Association WSL Team of the Year.
The Matildas are set to return for a international friendly against Wales on October 26.
