Socceroos great Robbie Slater blasts Matildas bosses for breaking simple training rule in session that saw Mary Fowler joining Sam Kerr on injury list with a concussion

Socceroos great Robbie Slater has questioned the training methods of the Matildas after Mary Fowler was ruled out of Thursday’s World Cup clash versus Nigeria with concussion.

Fowler, 20, and veteran defender Aivi Luik suffered mild head knocks in separate incidents at training on Tuesday.

The pair will watch the action in Brisbane from the sideline next to skipper Sam Kerr, whose return from a calf injury – also sustained at at training – remains unknown.

Given three points against the Africans will guarantee Australia progresses from the group stage, the timing couldn’t be worse.

It left Slater pondering why the squad had such a heavy training session two days out from the clash at Suncorp Stadium.

Fowler, 20, and veteran defender Aivi Luik suffered mild concussions in separate incidents at training on Tuesday and both won’t play against the Africans

‘Why was this session overly physical? It’s great to have competitive sessions, but now it’s left the Matildas exposed – particularly in attack,’ he fumed.

‘Everyone knows with sports science that the most crucial day to be light in your training is a couple of days before a game.

‘That is the rule: two days before a game you don’t have a heavy session. You only do really light stuff, then the day before a game you have a short and sharp session. 

‘Maybe a few sprints and then away you go.’

Caitlin Foord is now the only recognised striker available, with Kerr (calf), Kyah Simon (knee) and Fowler all sidelined.

With coach Tony Gustavsson unlikely to change the successful midfield pairing of Kyra Cooney-Cross and Katrina Gorry, veteran playmaker Emily van Egmond appears the likely option to play up top alongside Foord.

Sam Kerr’s return from a calf injury – also sustained at at training – remains unknown

Caitlin Foord (pictured right) is now the only recognised striker available ahead of the clash in Brisbane

Tameka Yallop, who has recovered from a corked thigh, and dynamo Alex Chidiac are possible other options to be elevated into the XI.

News of Fowler being ruled out left many Matildas fans frustrated – and they vented their anger on social media.

‘How many injuries do you sustain as a result of training???? What are you doing wrong?,’ one fan posted in response to the announcement on the Matildas Twitter page.

‘Training must be hard core, they are dropping like flies,’ another supporter said.

Kick-off is 8pm AEST on Thursday, live on Channel 7 and Optus Sport.