Mary Fowler has ruled herself out of the Matildas’ upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Chinese Taipei to prioritise her mental and physical health.
The Manchester City star announced the news on Sunday via a statement, having helped her club side clinch a 2-1 win in the Women’s Champions League last week against Hammerby.
The 21-year-old has had a busy few months, continuing to play for both the Matildas and City, while also holidaying with boyfriend Nathan Cleary in the UK and Europe.
She has made thirteen appearances for City in both the WSL and the Women’s Champions League this season, having also travelled to play for the Matildas during their matches against Switzerland and Germany.
Fowler, though, has spoken out on what’s been a demanding start to the season which she says has been a ‘challenge’. She admitted she wanted to take some time to focus on her mental and physical health in order to perform at her best for both City and Australia.
‘Playing for the national team is something that I never take for granted,’ Fowler said in a statement.
Mary Fowler has announced she has pulled out of Australia’s upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Chinese Taipei
Fowler recently enjoyed a romantic break with her boyfriend Nathan Cleary, with the pair being pictured travelling around the UK and Europe
Fowler stated that her schedule had been ‘demanding’ of late and said she wanted to sit out the Matildas’ upcoming matches
‘It’s an incredible honour to represent Australia every time I put the jersey on. I have, however, through past experiences, come to realise that my mind and my body are also things that I should also never take for granted.
‘Over the past few months, playing with an increasingly demanding schedule has been both exciting but at times also challenging.
‘I love being able to play at the top level of my sport, but recognising that sometimes my mind and body also need to rest has been an invaluable lesson for me.
‘Therefore, I’ve decided to take this time to prioritise recovery in order to refresh both mentally and physically, so that I can continue to put my best self forward for both club and country.
‘I really appreciate everyone’s support and understanding, and I hope to see you all soon.’
Cleary, meanwhile, has been enjoying some down time of late, following his romantic getaway to Europe with Fowler.
The NRL star, fresh from leading the Panthers to their fourth successive premiership win, was pictured this week enjoying a family holiday with his father and coach Ivan Cleary.
It came after Cleary had undergone surgery on a troublesome shoulder injury after returning to Australia from Europe.
She has made thirteen appearances for City in both the WSL and the Women’s Champions League this season
Fowler and Cleary enjoyed their time away from their respective codes and appeared to have painted portraits of each other while on holiday
Fowler recently starred for Australia as they beat Germany and drew to Switzerland
He and Fowler had spent time travelling around the United Kingdom, before heading off on several trips around Europe.
The pair were seen in Mallorca, while Cleary was also following Fowler to Switzerland to watch her play for the Matildas.
Over the past few months, they have shared multiple pictures of each other on their social media accounts, with Fowler and Cleary notably painting portraits of each other.
The Matildas are set to face off against Brazil on Thursday and again on Sunday in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, before taking on Chinese Taipei in Victoria on December 4 and 7.
Fans have rallied around Fowler following the news, with one writing: ‘I hope she has a good rest and comes back better than ever!’
The Matildas could be without several other key stars, with A-League midfielders Isabel Gomez and Hana Lowry both doubts.
Gomez suffered a nasty collision during Central Coast’s draw against Melbourne Victory at the weekend – and the extent of her injuries are yet to be revealed.
Lowry, meanwhile, suffered a knee injury during Sydney’s draw against Melbourne City.
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