Tameka Yallop insists she’s match to play towards Nigeria on Thursday, however for her star Matildas teammate Sam Kerr, the truth of her personal battle to participate within the FIFA Women’s World Cup appeared to hit dwelling at Australia’s coaching session on Sunday.
Kerr, who injured her calf the day earlier than the Matildas’ first-up Cup 1-0 win over Ireland final Thursday evening, reduce a lonely and dejected determine as she sat on an esky watching the remainder of Australia’s squad prepare in Brisbane on Sunday.
The Chelsea striker has already been dominated out of the Matildas’ battle with the Nigerians at Suncorp Stadium, and stays no certainty to be match for Australia’s conflict with Canada on Monday week in Melbourne.
Kerr had earlier on Sunday placed on a courageous face when signing autographs for followers and laughing together with her teammates earlier than the beginning of the coaching session.
However, it was exhausting to not sympathise together with her as she was diminished to watching from the sidelines as Matildas have been put by their paces for the primary time since beating the Irish.
“It’s disappointing for her personally but she’s also very supportive,” Yallop mentioned of her injured captain.
“Sam’s just like any other player. We’re a team of 23 and she supports us from the bench, and we support her right back as well.
“She still brings that (presence) no matter if she’s sitting on the sidelines or in amongst it. We have a lot of personalities within the team as well, so if she’s not there for whatever reason, there are other players that will bring her drive to the team.”
The versatile Yallop is amongst a bunch of veteran Matildas who will “drive” Australia in Kerr’s absence.
The Norway-based 32-year-old former Brisbane Roar and Melbourne City star it itching to play on Thursday evening after taking no half within the sport towards Ireland as a result of a thigh harm she suffered in Australia’s 1-0 pleasant win over France on July 14.
“I’m back on the park and good to go,” mentioned Yallop, who added that the “minor” harm had been a corked third.
“I’ve had plenty of corks in the past, so I knew the process and it was just really about being patient and letting it recover.
“For me, there wasn’t really any doubt that I wouldn’t be OK for the remainder of the World Cup, so it was just about being patient for me
“I always love coming back to Queensland. I’m looking forward to playing at (Suncorp) Stadium. I have lots of fond memories there, and we’d love to create more.”
Source: www.news.com.au
