Matildas forced into Asian Cup change with goalkeeper 'truly devastated' by concussion blow
Updated . First published
The Matildas have been forced into a change for their Asian Cup squad, two days after it was announced with goalkeeper Teagan Micah ruled out.
Micah has had issues with concussion and hasn't played for club side Lyon for a month.
Football Australia confirmed on Saturday she'd be replaced by Brisbane Roar's Chloe Lincoln.
READ MORE: Crowd shocked as skater slashed in gruesome crash
READ MORE: Piastri breaks silence as shock Webber theory emerges
READ MORE: Supercars shocked by minnows' stunning result
Micah took to Instagram to write she was "truly devastated" by the situation.
Teagan Micah. Getty
"I recently sustained another concussion and although I have pushed my hardest to be back in time, I am simply just not ready," she said.
"The timing feels absolutely cruel … and sometimes football and elite sports can break your heart and truly test you not just as a player but as a person.
"My priority is my health, my long term career and to get back to playing here in OL [Olympique Lyonnais]."
The Matildas locked in their 26-player squad on Thursday before Micah's withdrawal with Mary Fowler named for the first time since her ACL injury in April last year and superstar Sam Kerr to lead the team as captain.
The tournament will be the first for coach Joe Montemurro since taking over the side and he'll have the added bonus of a home country advantage.
Kerr heads up the leadership group, with Ellie Carpenter and Steph Catley continuing their roles as vice-captains.
Sam Kerr, Mary Fowler and Hayley Raso during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Semi Final, Getty
Nine players in the squad will feature in their first Asian Cup, with Lincoln, Winonah Heatley, Clare Hunt, Kahli Johnson, Jamilla Rankin, Charlize Rule, Amy Sayer, Kaitlyn Torpey and Jada Whyman all rookies at the continental tournament.
Only three players, Lincoln, Michelle Heyman and Holly McNamara, have been selected from the A-League Women.
Montemurro admitted it wasn't a simple process selecting the squad.
"Selecting a squad is never easy, but it is a privilege to bring together players who truly represent the identity and spirit of the CommBank Matildas, and who understand the responsibility of representing Australia," he said in a statement.
"We have selected a strong mix of experienced leaders who understand what it means to wear the green and gold, alongside younger players who have earned their opportunity and will play a vital role in our future.
Joe Montemurro gives instructions to goalkeeper Teagan Micah. Maya Thompson via Getty Images
"Their commitment and growth are a testament not only to their own work, but also the strong culture that exists within the CommBank Matildas and the dedication of our coaching and support staff who help drive that environment every day.
"Hosting a major home tournament is an honour we do not take lightly. The team is ready, focused and determined to make the nation proud, and we look forward to sharing this moment with fans across the country."
The Matildas play in Perth for the first match of the tournament against the Philippines on March 1.
Matildas squad
Alanna Kennedy, Alex Chidiac, Amy Sayer, Caitlin Foord, Charlize Rule, Clare Hunt, Clare Wheeler, Courtney Nevin, Ellie Carpenter (vc), Emily Van Egmond, Hayley Raso, Holly McNamara, Jada Whyman, Jamilla Rankin, Kahli Johnson, Kaitlyn Torpey, Katrina Gorry, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Mackenzie Arnold, Mary Fowler, Michelle Heyman, Remy Siemsen, Sam Kerr (c), Steph Catley (vc), Chloe Lincoln, Winonah Heatley
