MARY FOWLER CONFIRMS MATILDAS ABSENCE TO SUPPORT NATHAN CLEARY

Manchester City and Australia forward Mary Fowler has confirmed she withdrew from the Matildas squad to support her partner, rugby league player Nathan Cleary, as he recovers from surgery. Cleary posted photographs on Instagram on Sunday showing the pair together in Sydney, thanking Fowler for flying across the world to care for him. He described her as "the absolute best" and said he was "a very lucky man". Fowler replied that she felt "very lucky" to look after him. The confirmation followed earlier statements from the Matildas that had attributed her absence only to "personal circumstances".

Matildas coach Joe Montemurro addressed Fowler's absence before Australia's friendly against Germany in Karlsruhe, saying discussions had taken place with Fowler, her club and relevant parties, but declined to elaborate, citing the player's privacy. Without Fowler, Australia fell two goals behind before fighting back to 3-2, ultimately losing 4-2 to Germany. Midfielder Kyra Cooney-Cross was also absent from the squad, continuing her return to top-flight football following the death of her mother in July. Fowler had earlier posted photographs with Cleary and his dog, Prince, while also supporting Cleary's teammate Liam Henry's fundraising event for Parkinson's disease.

Fowler is set to miss a further Matildas friendly against Haiti in France this week as she continues to spend time with Cleary. Cleary, who plays in the NRL, underwent surgery following an injury, though further details of the procedure were not disclosed. The confirmation ends speculation over the exact reason for Fowler's absence from the squad during the international window. Montemurro said he believed the Matildas' management had made the right decision regarding Fowler's situation and that it had the support of those involved.