Women’s Asian Cup: Matildas midfielder Katrina Gorry backs reserve goalkeepers if Mackenzie Arnold limited

Matildas midfielder Katrina Gorry has backed deputy goalkeepers Jada Whyman and Chloe Lincoln to do their country proud should veteran shot-stopper Mackenzie Arnold not front up for Sunday’s Women’s Asian Cup opener. A day after she was not spotted on the training track during the window open to media, Arnold made a brief cameo at Sam Kerr Football Centre on Friday. The Women’s World Cup penalty shoot-out hero did prehabilitation exercises outside before the session began, and did some individual work with a coach during the 15-minute period open to media. But she headed down the tunnel upon completion of the exercises, leaving Whyman, Lincoln and ex-Perth Glory star and train-on Morgan Aquino as the lone ‘keepers on-field. Losing Arnold would represent a significant blow for the Matildas, particularly given her rival for the No.1 jersey Teagan Micah was ruled out of the tournament through concussion. Gorry said she was not across whether Arnold was battling an injury ahead of their clash with The Philippines at Optus Stadium, but had faith in Whyman — who is yet to debut for Australia — and thrice-capped Lincoln. “I’m not too sure, to be honest, I’ve just been focusing on myself and on the players that are out in the pitch. The physios manage her,” Gorry said of Arnold. “We have a great squad. I don’t know Macca’s case at all, whether she’ll be out in the pitch or not, but regardless of if she is or isn’t, we’ve got some great keepers in there. Maybe someone will get an opportunity, but I’m sure they’re ready for it. “They’ve been playing in good leagues. They’ve been playing good football, and for us, whoever’s in goals, we trust them with everything. Regardless of who’s out there, I think they’re going to do a great job.” While Arnold’s fitness is a closely-guarded secret at this stage, Mary Fowler trained with the full squad for the second day running and Gorry said she was so excited for the Manchester City star’s comeback after her torn ACL. “I followed her journey closely. To have a player like her out in the field, it is really special for us and whenever she’s on the pitch, something exciting is always happening. “I’m excited for her, she’s got no pressure on her. She just needs to enjoy her football, enjoy the moment and just be proud that she’s been able to get back and push herself to how she is today.” Gorry said she had been counting down the days to the tournament for the past six months, and while the team’s results have fluctuated since the Women’s World Cup in 2023, there was a healthy degree of confidence within the group. Having not won a major tournament since 2010, the West Ham midfielder said the time was ripe to end the drought. “The World Cup was massive for us, but now we’ve brought in a lot of players, got a lot of experience, and then obviously (coach) Joe Montemurro to top it all off, we’re in a really good spot,” she said. “We’ve had some really up and down moments over the last couple of years, but that’s what brought us all together, and made us want more. “It’s one of the toughest tournaments. When we’re over in Europe, they don’t really understand it, but it’s practically our Euros, the caliber of teams we have in this tournament is top tier and it’s going to push us hard. No game is going to be easy. “We’ve got a lot of great players in the team, a lot of experience, a lot of players playing in great leagues across the world. It’s our time to really stamp our foot on the Asian tournament and make sure we come home with the trophy.”