By Anna Harrington
The Matildas will sweat on the fitness of star forward Caitlin Foord after she was substituted before half-time in Arsenal’s blockbuster Women’s Super League clash with Manchester City on Sunday.
Foord is due to head into Matildas camp this week ahead of friendlies against Scotland and England on April 7 and April 11 (AEST) respectively.
Caitlin Foord speaks with Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall after leaving the pitch with an injury on Sunday at Meadow Park.Credit:Getty Images
The 28-year-old had been in scintillating form for club and country, including being shortlisted as Women’s Super League player of the month.
Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson will hope the injury scare isn’t too serious amid preparations for the Women’s World Cup on home soil in July.
Foord has scored eight goals in her past 13 national team games and 10 goals in all competitions this season for Arsenal.
Gunners teammate Steph Catley (foot) is already sidelined for the friendlies.
Foord was in blistering form in the Champion’s League against Bayern Munich at the Emirates on Wednesday night.Credit:Getty Images
Foord started Sunday’s match, while her Australian teammates Hayley Raso and Mary Fowler both came off the bench for City.
City and Matildas central defender Alanna Kennedy, who has had a torrid run with injuries and form, missed the match.
Kennedy has only made seven appearances across all competitions for City and hasn’t played for the Matildas since their series against Canada in September.
Foord has spearheaded the Arsenal attack since Ballon d’Or finalists Beth Mead and Vivianne Miedema both suffered ACL injuries at the start of the season.
The Australian was impressive in Arsenal’s win over Bayern Munich in their Champion’s League quarter-final at the Emirates on Wednesday night and will have been pencilled in by manager Jonas Eidevall as an automatic starter in the semi-final double-leg against Wolfsburg following the international break.
Arsenal came from behind to beat City 2-1 on Sunday thanks to a cracking Katie McCabe strike from just inside the box.
They move above City on goal difference and within striking distance of league leaders Manchester United. Chelsea make up a tight top four.
In the day’s other early game, Everton scored a late winner to beat Tottenham 2-1.
AAP
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