Sad news for Manchester City and Matildas fans: 22-year-old Australian player Mary Fowler has torn her ACL. This injury happened during City’s FA Cup semi-final loss to Manchester United, and it means she’ll be out for the next nine to 12 months. This puts her in doubt for the home Asian Cup next March, just 11 months away. The Matildas are eager to do well after their World Cup run, so she’ll have a lot to work towards. Mary Fowler Out for Months.
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A Tough Blow for City and Australia
When Fowler went down, her teammates like Vivianne Miedema and Alex Greenwood showed clear worry, indicating how serious the injury was. Fowler had been a crucial player for Manchester City, stepping up in various positions while other players were injured. Losing her now is a big setback, especially since the squad is already stretched thin and their chance for a Champions League spot is looking slim. Mary Fowler Out for Months.
A Career Interrupted, But Not Derailed
In a touching message from Football Australia, Fowler opened up about feeling disappointed but also determined. “I’m really disappointed to be facing some time out of the game,” she shared. “It’s tough, especially when you’ve been working hard and feeling good.” Even though she’s facing this challenge, she’s focused on her recovery and personal growth, saying, “There’s still so much I want to achieve, and I’ll be using this time to grow.”
Support From the Football Community
Interim Matildas coach Tom Sermanni expressed his support for Fowler, noting how tough this news is for everyone. “This is tough news for Mary and for all of us who know the dedication and passion she brings to her craft,” he said. He reassured fans that the entire Matildas and Football Australia community will be behind Fowler as she works through her recovery.
Concerns in Women’s Football
Fowler’s injury is part of a troubling pattern in women’s football, with ACL injuries becoming more common. She is the 17th player to get this type of injury in the WSL this season and at least the 48th worldwide in 2025. Many think that fixture congestion, long travel, and not enough squad rotation are issues. Fowler had just come back from traveling 34,000 kilometers for matches in Korea before she played a key role in City’s last hope for silverware this season. Despite the small squad, only four players had played more minutes than her across the WSL and Champions League.
Fowler has a long road ahead for recovery, but her attitude is clear—stay positive, put in the work, and come back even stronger.
