Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Chengdu: Australia’s current leading goal scorer Sarah Walsh has been passed fit to play in the 2010 AFC Women’s Asian Cup following a quicker than expected recovery from knee surgery.
Walsh, who plays for reigning W-League champions Sydney FC, underwent minor knee surgery last month and was considered a doubt for the forthcoming continental meet in Chengdu, where Australia will take on Vietnam, Korea Republic and hosts China in the group stage.
“It’s been a long four weeks and I’m very grateful to our medical team and Tom (Sermanni) who worked so hard and showed me so much support to get me back in time for the cup,” said Walsh, who has scored 29 times in 59 appearances for the Matildas.
“Now my knee is strong it’s about concentrating on my fitness and getting out there to help the girls qualify for the World Cup and win the Asian Cup.”
Walsh’s return to fitness means that Central Coast Mariners’ striker Michelle Heyman, who was called up as cover for the 27-year-old, is dropped from the 23-strong squad.
“It’s disappointing for Michelle (Heyman) to miss out but she has done so well and improved dramatically in such a short time that she is sure to have a long Westfield Matildas career in front of her,” said head coach Sermanni.
Australia kick-off their AFC Women’s Asian Cup campaign on Wednesday when they face Vietnam in the tournament curtain raiser.