Mary Fowler withdraws from Matildas squad as Leah Davidson called up

Mary Fowler will miss Australia’s October internationals against Germany and Haiti after withdrawing from the Matildas squad due to personal circumstances. Football Australia confirmed the change on Tuesday, October 6, naming Charlton Athletic midfielder Leah Davidson as her replacement for the two-match European trip under coach Joe Montemurro.

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The governing body said the decision followed discussions involving Fowler, Manchester City and national-team staff. Its announcement did not give a more specific reason for the withdrawal or announce a return date. The confirmed absence covers the October window, with Davidson joining a squad preparing for next year’s Women’s World Cup.

Davidson has four senior international appearances and one goal, according to Football Australia. She made her Australia debut against Chinese Taipei in December 2024. Football360 reported that the 25-year-old joined Charlton from Melbourne City before the 2026-27 season, moving from the A-League Women champions to the English Women’s Super League club.

Fowler’s withdrawal follows her involvement in Manchester City’s comeback victory against Arsenal. ABC reported that she came off the bench to help City turn the game around and that there had been no discussion of an injury after the match. Football360 reported the result as a 4-2 win. Football Australia’s stated reason for her international absence remains personal circumstances.

Australia will play Germany at BBBank Wildpark in Karlsruhe on October 9, followed by Haiti at Stade Walter-Luzi in Chambly, France, on October 13, using local dates. Football Australia said the contrasting opponents would broaden the team’s World Cup preparations. For supporters in eastern Australia, the scheduled kick-offs fall on the mornings of October 10 and October 14 respectively.

The change comes after Montemurro originally named a 26-player squad featuring three uncapped players: Hana Lowry, Tori Tumeth and Courtney Newbon. ABC’s squad report said he wanted the matches to develop understanding and confidence within the team. Australia are also without Kyra Cooney-Cross for this window, while experienced players including Sam Kerr, Caitlin Foord, Steph Catley and Ellie Carpenter remain in the updated squad.