Matildas coach Joe Montemurro backs Mary Fowler’s absence from friendlies

Coach Joe Montemurro says the Matildas support Mary Fowler’s decision to miss upcoming friendlies for personal circumstances and is adamant they have the creative players available to cover her.

Fowler, 23, this week withdrew from the squad to play world No.3 Germany on Saturday (AEDT) and Haiti on Wednesday.

“It’s really important that we create an environment that is important for the player, and as the circumstances are private I’m not going to elaborate,” Montemurro said.

“But yes, absolutely, discussions were had with Mary, with the club (Manchester City), and with the relative people, and we believe that we’ve made the right decision and I think everyone’s in support of the situation.”

There has been speculation that Fowler has returned to Australia to support her partner, Nathan Cleary, which Football Australia has not confirmed.

The Penrith rugby league star required emergency surgery after suffering a career-threatening badly broken leg in the Panthers’ NRL preliminary final loss in late September.

It has been reported, however, that her decision blindsided and frustrated some FA officials.

“No, I don’t know what the situation is,” Australian goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold said.

“I messaged both her and Nathan when it happened just to say ‘I hope you guys are doing OK.’

“But yeah, I’m not really sure the actual reason that she’s headed home.”

Players opting out of windows for personal reasons is not rare, especially given the intense schedules of club and international football.

“At the end of the day, we’re all human. You can’t always base your life around football,” Arnold said.

“I have never personally been in that experience, so I don’t really know how to put it into words.

“But I would say if I had that situation that I felt the need to go home and I asked the coach for that and I had full trust in him that he was going to give me that permission - then of course, it’s important.