The Matildas have made a late change before their opening Olympic match with Germany, with experienced midfielder Tameka Yallop ruled out through injury.
Yallop, who had to be withdrawn from the Olympic warm-up match against Canada on July 13, will be replaced by Brisbane Roar teammate Sharn Freier.
The Matildas were forced into the late change hours before their tough start against Olympic powerhouse Germany in Marseille on Friday morning, Australian time.
Yallop was considered not ready for a recall after two contact injuries she suffered in early July.
She has returned to full training and is expected to be fit to be back in the 18-player squad for the Matildas' next match against Zambia in Nice on Monday morning, Australian time.
Freier celebrated her 23rd birthday on Wednesday and now has the chance to make her Olympic debut.
The Matildas will also face four-time gold medallists United States in the group stage on Thursday morning, Australian time.
The teams that finish first and second in the three groups will advance to the quarterfinals, as will the two best third-ranked nations.
The Matildas' best place at the Olympics was fourth at the Tokyo Games three years ago.
Story by ABC/AAP
Original Story link https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-07-25/paris-olympics-tameka-yallop-out-of-germany-clash/104144244
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