Australia's national women's soccer team, the Matildas, is experiencing a significant boost with the return of star players Sam Kerr and Mary Fowler ahead of the Asian Cup. Mary Fowler made her first start for Manchester City in nearly a year against Sheffield United, while Sam Kerr demonstrated her skill by scoring for Chelsea against Manchester United. These performances come as a morale boost for Australia's squad just days before their opening match in the tournament.

There were concerns about the readiness of both players; Fowler had recently returned from a long injury layoff, and Kerr had been involved in limited playtime with Chelsea. However, their recent outings suggest that they are regaining their form at the perfect time since Australia is set to face the Philippines next week in the Asian Cup. This tournament will be critical for the Matildas, as they aim to solidify their position among the top teams in women's soccer on an Asian stage.

The timing of Kerr and Fowler's performance boosts is crucial for the Matildas, who will be relying heavily on their talent and experience in what promises to be a competitive Asian Cup. With confidence running high following their recent club successes, the expectation is that both players will play pivotal roles in Australia's campaign, potentially leading the team to victory on home soil during the tournament.