Picture by 2023 Getty Images
Tameka Yallop has returned to the Australian women’s football team after missing out on the Matildas’ opening game of the Paris 2024 Olympics against Germany on Thursday.
Yallop, who was nursing a contact injury for the last two weeks, received a medical clearance to return to the team for their upcoming match against Zambia.
The 33-year-old midfielder was replaced by her Brisbane Roar team-mate Sharn Freier in the main squad for the Matildas’ opening match against Germany, which they lost 3-0. Freier was initially part of the reserves.
Yallop has made over 100 appearances for the Matildas and was a part of their Olympics team at Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020.
While the previous rules would have prevented the involvement of a reserve player for only one match, a recent amendment now allows teams to do so. Freier now returns to the reserves list.
Tony Gustavsson, the Australian head coach, had to deal with multiple injury issues lately. The Matildas’ captain Steph Catley, attacker Caitlin Foord and goalkeeper Teagan Micah have all been recovering from injuries.
The Australian women’s football team, who finished fourth at Tokyo 2020, find themselves in a tricky spot after a heavy defeat in their opening match.
After the match against Zambia, the Matildas will play the USWNT, the four-time Olympic gold medallists.
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