The Matildas anticipate Charlotte Grant to be obtainable for his or her FIFA Women’s World Cup round-of-16 conflict with Denmark on Monday regardless of the defender being the third member of the squad to endure concussion through the event.
As Grant watched on from the aspect of the coaching area on the Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre on Friday, Matildas captain Sam Kerr hung out on an train bike as she continued her bid to beat a calf damage in time for subsequent week’s do-or-die battle at Stadium Australia.
Grant was concerned in a heavy conflict after approaching for her World Cup debut within the dying levels of Australia’s 4-0 win over Canada final Monday evening in Melbourne.
Concussion signs have since emerged, nevertheless a Matildas spokeswoman mentioned Grant can be obtainable for choice in opposition to the Danes as she would have met the mandatory concussion protocols.
Matildas defender Alanna Kennedy mentioned: “The knock that she that she copped in the game wasn’t nice to see but I think she’s in a good spot.”
Grant is the third Matildas participant to endure from concussion through the event, with Mary Fowler and Aivi Luik having been concussed on the coaching paddock final week.
Matildas star Hayley Raso mentioned the squad’s medical employees had been extraordinarily vigilant in its dealings with Grant, Fowler and Luik.
“For any head knock that’s taken, you have to be really cautious,” Raso mentioned.
“In the grand scheme of things, football doesn’t really matter. You need to look after your health.
“We’ve been very cautious with a couple of the girls who have taken head knocks, which I think is really important.
“Our doctor and our medical staff will make sure all the girls are 100 per cent and OK before they step back out on to the field and I think that’s the most important thing.”
Kerr, who’s but to play within the event, wasn’t anticipated to hitch the remainder of the squad for the common session as a part of her separate coaching program.
“She was available last game, so she’s still progressing well with her rehab so she’ll be available for this game (against Denmark) as well, but whoever’s called upon will be able to do a job,” Raso mentioned.
“We’ve got a really strong team, (and) we’ve got depth. The players starting, hopefully they can do the job, but those who come on too will be able to finish it off for us as well.”
Matildas defender Clare Polkinghorne mentioned Kerr had been “superb” by all of it.
“She always puts the team before herself, so right from the beginning, she‘s been our biggest supporter and always helping out where she can,” Polkinghorne mentioned of her skipper.
“While she hasn‘t been able to help on the field yet, she’s definitely still a massive part of this team and it has definitely helped us get to where we are.
“We’re really looking forward to having her back.”
Midfielder Cortnee Vine additionally wasn’t coaching with the principle squad on Friday, as an alternative operating laps of the sector as a part of her load administration.
Source: www.news.com.au
