FIFA Women’s World Cup: Australia to miss three key players in Super Falcons’ Group B clash

The Super Falcons of Nigeria will aim to take a big step towards securing progression to the next round of the World Cup by claiming maximum points against Australia in their Group B clash in Brisbane on Thursday

Australia will have three key players from their squad unavailable to face the Super Falcons of Nigeria in their second game of the ongoing Women's World Cup, Soccernet.ng reports

The two footballing nations are set to renew their hostility on the global stage for the first time since Australia claimed a 2-0 victory over the Super Falcons in the group stage of the 2015 edition in Canada.

Nigeria began their campaign with a goalless draw against Canada last Friday, while Australia claimed maximum points over the Republic of Ireland in the other Group B opening match.

Ahead of their showdown in Brisbane on Thursday, Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson has confirmed in a press conference that Mary Fowler and Aivi Luik will join the likes of Sam Kerr on the sidelines, ruling the trio out of the important Group B clash with the nine-time African champions.

Both players are ruled out after suffering mild concussions in training on Tuesday. They are now set to miss the two important players of their squad, along with Kerr – who had earlier missed the victory over Ireland in their opening match.

Fowler played 85 minutes in their 1-0 win over debutants the Republic of Ireland, while Luik was an unused substitute for the Matildas.