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AAP
AAP
Sport
Ed Jackson

Big guns return for Matildas' friendlies

Sam Kerr (r) leads a host of big names returning for the Matildas' matches with Canada in Australia. (Dean Lewins/AAP PHOTOS) (AAP)

Australia's big guns are back in the Matildas squad for next month's friendlies against Olympic champions Canada in Sydney and Brisbane.

Captain Sam Kerr, defenders Steph Catley and Alanna Kennedy and forward Caitlin Foord have all been named in the 23-player squad after sitting out recent games against Spain and Portugal.

That quartet were among several European-based players who were rested for June's matches after completing their club seasons overseas.

Coach Tony Gustavsson has wasted no time recalling his more established players for the internationals against Canada however, with young gun Mary Fowler also back in the squad.

Midfielder Chloe Logarzo has also earned an instant recall, 12 months after sustaining an ACL injury.

Experienced forward Kyah Simon has been overlooked for these matches however as she continues her recovery from an ankle injury.

Brisbane Roar forward Larissa Crummer, who made her first international appearance since 2018 in the 7-0 thrashing against Spain, has retained her place in the squad along with inexperienced duo Charlotte Grant and Cortnee Vine.

The matches at Suncorp Stadium and Allianz Stadium on September 3 and 6 mark the start of the Matildas' last phase of preparations before next year's Women's World Cup on home soil.

"There is an excitement around the group of players selected about the next 11 months of our work together ahead of a home tournament," Gustavsson said in a statement.

"We are thrilled to welcome back a number of fantastic players for this window, adding to returning members from our last camp in Europe, as we prepare to take on a team of undeniable quality in Canada."

Canada, who defeated Sweden in the Tokyo Olympic final to win gold, head to Australia after securing their spot at next year's World Cup with a runners-up finish to the powerful United States in the 2022 CONCACAF W Championships in Mexico last month.

MATILDAS SQUAD: Mackenzie Arnold, Steph Catley, Alex Chidiac, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Larissa Crummer, Caitlin Foord, Mary Fowler, Emily Gielnik, Katrina Gorry, Charlotte Grant, Alanna Kennedy, Sam Kerr, Chloe Logarzo, Aivi Luik, Teagan Micah, Courtney Nevin, Clare Polkinghorne, Hayley Raso, Emily Van Egmond, Cortnee Vine, Clare Wheeler, Lydia Williams, Tameka Yallop.

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