Mary Fowler will not feature for the Matildas this international window after Football Australia confirmed the Manchester City attacker has been withdrawn from the squad due to personal circumstances, with the news landing as a significant blow for coach Joe Montemurro ahead of two World Cup preparation friendlies.

Football Australia released a statement on Tuesday morning confirming the 23-year-old's absence, saying the decision had been reached following conversations between Fowler, Manchester City and Matildas staff. No specific return date has been set, and the governing body has offered no further detail beyond the personal nature of the situation.

Davidson steps in from Charlton

Charlton midfielder Leah Davidson has been called into the squad as cover. The 25-year-old made the move from Melbourne City to the newly promoted WSL side during the off-season and has clearly impressed enough to earn recognition at international level, earning her fifth call-up having already accumulated four caps and one goal since her debut in 2024. Her inclusion is notable in a squad where, aside from Melbourne Victory goalkeeper Courtney Newbon, every player is based overseas.

Davidson is joined by a handful of uncapped players — Newbon, Hana Lowry and Tori Tumeth — giving Montemurro an opportunity to extend the depth of his options ahead of next year's Women's World Cup.

A costly absence for the Matildas

Fowler's withdrawal is hard to understate in terms of its impact. She has been in terrific form for Manchester City this season and, as Australia's most dynamic creative attacker, would have been central to the Matildas' plans in both upcoming fixtures.

The timing compounds existing selection difficulties for Montemurro. Star midfielder Kyra Cooney-Cross is also absent from this window, meaning two of Australia's most influential players will sit out what are considered critical warm-up matches ahead of the 2027 World Cup.

Fowler's partner, NRL player Nathan Cleary, is currently recovering in Australia following surgery after suffering a serious ankle injury in the Panthers' preliminary final loss to the Knights. He has also undergone an operation on a stress fracture in his right foot and faces an extended period of rehabilitation.

Stern tests against Germany and Haiti

The upcoming matches represent a demanding double-header. Australia face world number three Germany in Karlsruhe on Saturday AEDT — an ominous encounter against one of the strongest sides in women's football — before turning to world number 47 Haiti in Chambly the following Wednesday.

Haiti may sit lower in the rankings but carry genuine threat in the shape of Melchie Dumornay, widely regarded as one of the most exciting attackers in the women's game and a former Lyon teammate of Matildas defender Ellie Carpenter.

Montemurro has made clear his desire to challenge his squad against a varied range of opponents as preparations build for the global tournament, and both fixtures will offer a thorough examination of Australia's depth — particularly now with Fowler unavailable.

The noises out of Football Australia suggest the door remains open for Fowler to return for future windows, and given her form at club level, her place in the Matildas' World Cup plans is unlikely to be in doubt for long.

FAQs

Frequently asked

Why is Mary Fowler not playing for Australia this month?
Football Australia confirmed Fowler has been ruled out of the October international window due to personal circumstances. The decision was made jointly between Fowler, Manchester City and Matildas staff. No further details have been disclosed.
Who has replaced Mary Fowler in the Matildas squad?
Charlton midfielder Leah Davidson has been called up in Fowler's place. The 25-year-old has four caps for Australia since making her international debut in 2024 and joined Charlton from Melbourne City ahead of the current WSL season.
When and where are the Matildas' next two friendlies?
Australia face Germany in Karlsruhe on Saturday AEDT, then take on Haiti in Chambly the following Wednesday. Both games serve as preparation for the 2027 Women's World Cup.