Australia’s Mary Fowler set for long lay-off after ACL injury
Australian winger Mary Fowler has confirmed that she is facing an extended period on the sidelines after suffering a serious knee injury during Manchester City’s FA Cup semi-final defeat to Manchester United on April 13, 2025. The 22-year-old football star hobbled off the field during the match, and subsequent scans revealed the full extent of the injury to her right knee, confirming that she has ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). This type of injury is one of the most serious setbacks an athlete can face and will require significant time for recovery.
A Devastating Blow to Fowler and the Matildas
The news of Fowler’s injury has sent shockwaves through Australian football, as she has become one of the brightest young talents in the sport. Known for her exceptional speed, vision, and creativity on the ball, Fowler had been enjoying an outstanding season with Manchester City before the injury. Her performances in both domestic and international competitions had elevated her to the status of one of the most promising young players in the game.
However, the ACL injury now means that Fowler will be sidelined for an extended period, significantly impacting her club and national team duties. For Fowler, who has been a crucial part of the Matildas’ attack, this is a bitter setback. She has earned 64 caps for Australia and was expected to play a key role in the upcoming tournaments. Now, as she begins the road to recovery, the future of her participation in the 2024 Women’s Asian Cup and other international fixtures remains uncertain. The recovery process for an ACL injury typically takes around 12 months, but depending on the severity of the injury and the progress made during rehabilitation, it could take even longer.
“I’m really disappointed to be facing some time out of the game,” Fowler said in a statement following the injury. “It’s never easy when something like this happens, especially when you’ve been working so hard and feeling good. The road ahead will be challenging, but I’m ready to take it on.”
The Impact on Australian Football and Team Dynamics
Fowler’s ACL injury has also brought to light the ongoing challenges faced by women in professional sports, particularly in football. The type of knee injury that Fowler has suffered is not uncommon in the sport, and it underscores the physical demands placed on athletes in the women’s game. ACL injuries have become a recurring issue among female players, with Fowler’s Australian teammate, Chelsea striker Sam Kerr, having been sidelined with a similar injury since January 2024. Kerr’s absence has already been a blow to the Matildas, and now Fowler’s injury compounds the team’s challenges as they prepare for important fixtures ahead.
Australia’s interim coach, Tom Sermanni, expressed his concern for Fowler but also acknowledged her resilience. “This is tough news for Mary and for all of us who know the dedication and passion she brings to her craft,” Sermanni said. “She’s an exceptional talent and a much-loved member of our team, and we know she’ll meet this challenge with the same courage she brings to the pitch.”
Fowler’s injury has raised questions about how the Matildas will cope without two of their most important attacking players. While the team still boasts talented individuals such as Caitlin Foord, Hayley Raso, and Holly McNamara, Fowler and Kerr’s combination in the attack had been pivotal to Australia’s success in recent years. Now, the focus will be on ensuring that other players step up to fill the void left by these injuries, and that the team’s overall strategy remains intact.
Fowler will begin her rehabilitation under the care of Manchester City’s medical team, with the support of Football Australia’s performance staff. The rehab process for an ACL injury involves a combination of rest, physical therapy, and strength training, with the goal of rebuilding strength and stability in the knee. While recovery can be a lengthy and challenging process, Fowler’s age and determination provide a sense of optimism for her eventual return.