Stable to return for the Matildas against Sweden, Thailand
Experienced midfielder Elise Kellond-Knight will make her long-awaited Matildas return next month when Australia host Sweden and Thailand.
Kellond-Knight, 32, earned the latest of his 113 caps back in March 2020.
Four months later, she tore the anterior cruciate ligament in her knee, and although she recovered to be part of Australia’s squad at last year’s Tokyo Olympics, she was denied playing time.
The former Brisbane Roar star has continued to battle knee problems since then, but recently made a return to action for his Swedish club Hammarby.
She will now get the chance to push for 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup selection after being named in a 24-strong Matildas squad for matches against Sweden (November 12, Melbourne) and Thailand (November 15, Gosford).
“It’s been a long time since I’ve been in the environment, so it’ll be good to experience it again … and enjoy it again,” Kellond-Knight said.
“I chose to keep playing football and I have to remember why I kept playing football.”
Goalkeeper Lydia Williams and midfielders Clare Wheeler and Emily van Egmond also return from injury.
Sydney FC goalkeeper Jada Whyman has also been called up due to the unavailability of West Ham goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold (calf).
Also missing are Ellie Carpenter (knee), Kyah Simon (knee), Emily Gielnik (calf) and Tameka Yallop (ankle),
Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson said: “Coming together for the first time since finding out our opponents in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup brings a different and sharper focus to the next set of games.
“As always, when selecting the squad we have kept a close eye on their achievements in the club country.
There are a few more players available which is good news as they come back from injury after logging good game time.”
Veteran defender Clare Polkinghorne will become just the third footballer – male or female – to make 150 senior caps for Australia should she play in either game.
Matilda’s squad: Steph Catley, Alex Chidiac, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Larissa Crummer, Caitlin Foord, Mary Fowler, Katrina Gorry, Charlotte Grant, Elise Kellond-Knight, Alanna Kennedy, Sam Kerr, Chloe Logarzo, Aivi Luik, Matilda McNamara, Teagan Micah, Courtney Nevin, Clare Polkinghorne, Hayley Raso, Amy Sayer, Emily van Egmond, Cortnee Vine, Clare Wheeler, Jada Whyman, Lydia Williams.