Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson has gambled with his squad selection for the Paris Olympics, selecting Caitlin Foord and Katrina Gorry despite injuries.
The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) announced an 18-player squad for the Olympics at a gathering at Sydney Olympic Park on Tuesday morning.
Foord is carrying a hamstring injury less than two months out from the Olympics getting under way, which sidelined her for the Matildas' 2-0 win over China in a friendly on Monday night, while Gorry is dealing with an ankle issue, which also kept her out of the match at Sydney Olympic Park.
Foord took a hamstring concern into the Matildas' match against China in Adelaide last week and lasted only 15 minutes, while Gorry suffered a syndesmosis injury while playing for West Ham United in the FA Women's Super League in March.
Gorry told The Sydney Morning Herald she expected to be fit for the start of Australia's Olympic campaign, beginning with a game against Germany on July 25.
Charlotte Grant failed to make the 18-player squad for Paris 2024, losing out some 12 months after scoring a goal against England during the lead-up to last year's World Cup.
Grant, Sharn Freir, Courtney Nevin and Lydia Williams were named as travelling reserves for the Olympics, meaning they will only get game time if a player in the 18-strong squad suffers an injury or withdraws for any other reason.
"This has been an incredibly challenging squad to select with so many quality players competing fiercely for limited spots," Gustavsson said.
"It has been a methodical process over the past couple of years to reach to this point, and each of the players selected bring unique and beneficial qualities to our team that will be vital for our Paris 2024 campaign.
"I would like to congratulate all the players selected and the teammates, coaches, family and friends that have brought them to this moment. I know that this team will give everything for the coat of arms and will represent Australia to the best of their ability in the true Aussie way."
Anna Meares, the AOC's chef de mission for Paris 2024, hailed Australia's most beloved sports team.
"I am thrilled to announce the Matildas team for Paris 2024," said the two-time Olympic gold medallist.
"This team is already full of trailblazers and record breakers, with eight players set to become the first three-time football Olympians for Australia.
"Thank you to the team at Football Australia, and everyone who has helped these 18 players grow from their first time having a go at football to becoming Paris Olympians.
"Congratulations to each of the players selected today, as well as to your families, friends, coaches and supporters who are all celebrating your Olympic achievement."
SQUAD
Mackenzie Arnold, Ellie Carpenter, Steph Catley (c), Kyra Cooney-Cross, Caitlin Foord, Mary Fowler, Katrina Gorry, Michelle Heyman, Clare Hunt, Alanna Kennedy, Teagan Micah, Clare Polklinghorne, Hayley Raso, Kaitlyn Torpey, Emily van Egmond (vc), Cortnee Vine, Clare Wheeler, Tameka Yallop
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