Manchester City have been hit by another serious injury blow after the Australia forward Mary Fowler sustained a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during Sunday’s Women’s FA Cup semi-final defeat by Manchester United.
The 22-year-old, who has scored 10 times this season, is likely to be out for at least the remainder of the year.
She is the fourth member of the City squad sidelined by a serious knee injury, joining the Japan right-back Risa Shimizu and England’s Alex Greenwood and Lauren Hemp, none of whom have played in 2025. The strikers Khadija Shaw and Vivianne Miedema also missed Sunday’s game with injuries.
Fowler, who scored for Australia on home soil against South Korea on 7 April, six days before her injury, told the Matildas’ website: “I’m really disappointed to be facing some time out of the game. It’s never easy when something like this happens especially when you’ve been working so hard and feeling good. The road ahead will be challenging, but I’m ready to take it on.
“There’s still so much I want to achieve, and I’ll be using this time to grow in every way I can. I’m committed to doing the work, staying positive and coming back better than ever. I want to say a big thank you to everyone who’s sent messages or checked in – it’s honestly meant so much. The support from my teammates, family, friends and fans has been a real lift and reminded me how lucky I am to be surrounded by such a strong network.”
Australia’s interim head coach, Tom Sermanni, said: “This is tough news for Mary and for all of us who know the dedication and passion she brings to her craft. She’s an exceptional talent and a much-loved member of our team, and we know she’ll meet this challenge with the same courage she brings to the pitch.”
With four games of the Women’s Super League season remaining, City are fourth, seven points outside the Champions League places.
