The Westfield Matildas today enter their final Australian preparation camp before departing for Germany on June 14 for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2011.
The Westfield Matildas today enter their final Australian preparation camp before departing for Germany on June 14 for the FIFA Women-s World Cup 2011.
Westfield Matildas Head Coach Tom Sermanni will take a reduced 24 player squad into the final camp following the withdrawal of Sarah Walsh and Kylie Ledbrook.
Walsh, who has been valiantly battling back from a long term knee injury, made the decision not to risk further damage by attempting a race to be fit in time for the opening match against Brazil on June 29 in Moenchengladbach.
“It was an extremely difficult decision to make as my knee has been progressing very well through training,” said Walsh.
“However the (FIFA Women-s) World Cup was a few steps ahead in relation to where I am in my rehab, and pushing it wasn’t in the best interest of my knee at this stage and instead I will be focusing on getting myself fully fit for the Olympic qualifiers in September.
“I have great confidence in the team Tommy is taking, and it-s a really exciting time given all the potential our youngsters have.”
Lisa De Vanna will return to the squad following her expulsion from the Westfield Matildas camp in May.
“Lisa has been allowed to return to the squad and will rejoin the team on the Gold Coast later this week,” said Sermanni.
“There are some basic obligations Lisa has to perform to remain in the team and given she performs these to our satisfaction she has every chance of making the final squad to Germany.”
Sermanni will announce his final 21 player squad destined for Germany at a press conference in Sydney on June 8.
Westfield Matildas training camp
Gold Coast, Carrara Sports Fields
Lisa DE VANNA- Brisbane Roar
Laura ALLEWAY- Brisbane Roar
Kim CARROLL- Brisbane Roar
Clare POLKINGHORNE- Brisbane Roar
Lauren COLTHORPE- Brisbane Roar
Elise KELLOND-KNIGHT- Brisbane Roar
Casey DUMONT- Brisbane Roar
Aivi LUIK- Brisbane Roar
Tameka BUTT- Brisbane Roar
Lydia WILLIAMS- Canberra United
Sally SHIPARD- Canberra United
Emily VAN EGMOND- Canberra United
Ellyse PERRY- Canberra United
Melissa BARBIERI- Melbourne Victory
Thea SLATYER- Newcastle Jets
Collette McCALLUM- Perth Glory
Samantha KERR- Perth Glory
Heather GARRIOCK- Sydney FC
Kyah SIMON- Sydney FC
Leena KHAMIS- Sydney FC
Servet UZUNLAR- Sydney FC
Caitlin FOORD- Sydney FC
Catherine CANULLI- Sydney FC
Teigen ALLEN- Sydney FC
