Arsenal Midfielder Kyra Cooney-Cross to Miss More Matildas Games
Arsenal midfielder Kyra Cooney‑Cross has been ruled out of the Matildas’ October friendlies with Germany and Haiti after coach Joe Montemurro decided the timing was too soon for her to return to international duty. The decision follows the player’s recent recovery from a family tragedy and her retu…
By Felo News Desk · Published
Arsenal’s Kyra Cooney‑Cross will miss the Matildas’ upcoming friendlies against Germany and Haiti, as coach Joe Montemurro confirmed that October is too early for her to return to the national team. The decision comes after the midfielder’s mother, Jess, passed away from stage 4 cholangiocarcinoma earlier this year, and after Cooney‑Cross’s return to club football following an extended break.
Background: A Player in the Midst of Personal Loss
Cooney‑Cross first earned her call‑up to the Matildas in 2021, quickly establishing herself as a creative force in midfield. Her international career was interrupted in March 2024 when she played her last match at the Asian Cup final before taking a leave of absence to support her mother, who was battling bile duct cancer. The midfielder’s mother was diagnosed in January 2024, and the family’s ordeal culminated in Jess’s passing, which Cooney‑Cross announced on Instagram in July.
Following her mother’s death, Cooney‑Cross took a hiatus from football, returning to pre‑season training with Arsenal in August. She re‑established herself in the Gunners’ lineup, scoring in a pre‑season match against Charlton Athletic and earning player‑of‑the‑match honors in the Champions League opener against Danish club HB Koge.
Montemurro’s Decision and the Timing of a Return
During a press conference on Thursday, coach Joe Montemurro explained that a potential return for Cooney‑Cross in October had been discussed but ultimately deemed “too early.” He emphasized that the decision was made in consultation with the player and that the national team’s priority is to support her emotional and physical readiness.
Montemurro stated, “We had long chats with Kyra and been in contact and we’ve left it to her and how she feels. We said from day one that we were going to make sure that she’s supported and given every opportunity to come back at her time and when she feels right.” The coach highlighted the importance of her stability at Arsenal and the support she has received from the club.
Impact on the Upcoming Friendlies
The Matildas’ squad for the October fixtures was announced without Cooney‑Cross, Alanna Kennedy, and Charlie Rule, the latter two being sidelined by injury. The team will face Germany on 9 October in Germany and Haiti on 13 October in France.
Montemurro filled the gaps with three uncapped players: Tori Tumeth, Courtney Newbon, and Hana Lowry. Tumeth and Lowry recently departed the A‑League Women to join clubs in Canada and Norway, respectively, leaving Newbon as the sole home‑based player in the squad. The coach praised the newcomers for meeting the high standards required to compete in top leagues.
What Happens Next?
Cooney‑Cross’s future with the Matildas remains uncertain. While the national team has expressed full support for her recovery, the exact timeline for her return will depend on her personal readiness and any further club commitments. Arsenal’s management continues to provide a supportive environment as she navigates her post‑personal‑tragedy career.
Fans and pundits will watch closely to see when the midfielder will re‑enter the international arena, and whether her club performances will pave the way for a future call‑up. In the meantime, the Matildas will proceed with their scheduled friendlies, integrating fresh talent and maintaining competitive momentum.
As the team prepares for the October matches, the focus remains on both on‑field performance and the well‑being of its players, ensuring that each athlete receives the necessary support during challenging times.
Key facts
- Kyra Cooney‑Cross will miss the Matildas’ October friendlies
- Her absence follows her mother’s death and return to club football
- Coach Joe Montemurro deemed October too early for her return
- Three uncapped players were called up to fill the squad
- Cooney‑Cross is performing well for Arsenal
- The Matildas will focus on new talent integration
Why it matters
Kyra Cooney‑Cross’s situation highlights how elite athletes manage personal tragedy while maintaining professional responsibilities, emphasizing the need for robust mental‑health support within national teams.
Frequently asked questions
What was the reason for Cooney‑Cross’s absence?
She took a break to support her mother, who passed away from bile duct cancer.
When will she return to the national team?
The exact date is uncertain; the coach stated October is too early.
Which clubs do the new uncapped players come from?
Tumeth is with a Canadian club, Lowry with a Norwegian club, and Newbon remains in Australia.
Will the Matildas play any other matches after the friendlies?
The schedule for the remainder of the year has not been released yet.
Sources
- [1] smh.com.au — originally reported as “Arsenal midfielder Kyra Cooney-Cross set to miss more Matildas games after family tragedy”
