Matildas suffer big blow with World Cup heroes ruled out as coaching saga drags on

The Matildas have been hit with a double blow ahead of their friendlies with Korea on Friday and Monday with two World Cup heroes ruled out, and a third in doubt.

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Ellie Carpenter and Hayley Raso will miss the two clashes in Sydney and Newcastle due to respective ankle and thigh injuries.

Carpenter will return to her French club side Lyon, while Raso will return to Tottenham in the coming days to complete their rehabilitation after arriving in Sydney with the issues.

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold is awaiting scans after sustaining an arm injury at training on Wednesday.

During the Matildas’ winless SheBelieves Cup earlier this year, the penalty shootout hero from the World Cup two years ago was benched in favour of Liverpool goalkeeper Tegan Micah, who is set to continue being the preferred option in goal against Korea.

The two matches are set to be preview of next year’s Asian Cup in Australia, with the Matildas ranked 16th in the world and the Koreans ranked 19th, among the favourites to win the regional crown.

The Australians will also be determined to get back to winning ways as their poor showing in America, debate around whether Sam Kerr should be able to continue as captain after her court case in London and the ongoing coaching saga have increased scrutiny on the squad.

Tony Gustavsson’s four-year tenure after the team’s group stage exit at the Paris Olympic Games last year, but Football Australia are still yet to appoint a permanent, full-time coach.

Tom Sermanni has stepped in as interim boss in the meantime, but in recent days reports have emerged that John Aloisi and Joe Montemurro are among the leading candidates.

Aloisi, who famously scored the penalty against Uruguay that sent the Socceroos to the 2006 World Cup, is currently in charge of Western United in the men’s A-League after previously managing Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Heart.

Montemurro meanwhile is coaching in France at Lyon’s women’s side, where Carpenter is one of his stars.

The 55-year-old has an impressive record in Australia and Europe in women’s football, having previously been the boss at Juventus and Arsenal.

He earned that breakthrough opportunity in London courtesy of an astonishing time at Melbourne City.

He led them to two women’s A-League crowns, including a historic campaign where they did not drop a point for the entire season.

When asked about the possibility of taking the reigns of the Matildas, Montemurro replied by saying “never rule out anything in football, mate”.

“You know football, it changes. It’s still a long way away. I’m under contract and I need to respect that, and I am happy continuing this program at a great club,” he added.

Montemurro also revealed he has been contacted by Football Australia about the role.

“There’s still a lot of water to go under the bridge before the happens,” he said.

“I’ve had two discussions with FA, positive discussions - they’ve been very, very good and been fantastic to be honest, very professional - but the reality is that I’m in contract.

“I have another year of my contract, and we’re looking towards obviously doing the job here now, and then starting next season - so at the moment there’s still a lot to do here. That’s the current status, and the truth.”

Canberra United FC shot stopper Sally James, and Young Matildas duo Alexia Apostolakis and Tegan Bertolissio have been called into join the Australian camp in a train on capacity to replace the injured trio.

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