Manchester City has confirmed Australian forward Mary Fowler has suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
Fowler suffered the season-ending injury during the Blues’ 2-0 FA Women’s Cup semi-final defeat to Manchester United on Monday (AEST).
A lengthy stoppage in play followed as Fowler received medical treatment on the pitch.
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She was subsequently assisted to her feet and limped to the bench.
Scans have since confirmed the injury to Fowler’s right knee, which will sideline the 22-year-old for an extended period.
While it is not known if Fowler will undergo reconstructive surgery, recovery can take anywhere between six months to more than a year.
Mary Fowler of Manchester City goes down injured. Visionhaus/Getty Images
With next year’s home Asian Cup only 10 months away, Fowler will now be racing the clock to be fit for the Matildas.
“I’m really disappointed to be facing some time out of the game,” Fowler said in a Football Australia statement.
“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.”
Fowler will remain in North West England to commence her rehabilitation program under Manchester City’s medical team.
However, Football Australia’s performance support staff will closely follow her progress.
“Mary will remain under the care of the club’s medical team and start her rehabilitation,” Manchester City said in a statement.
“Everyone at City wishes Mary all the best on a full and speedy recovery.”
The latest injury blow for the Matildas comes as teammates Sam Kerr and Amy Sayer continue their knee rehabilitation programs.
Kerr has not stepped out for the national team nor Women’s Super League side Chelsea in more than 12 months as she recovers from an ACL injury suffered at the beginning of last year.
