Sharn Freier's hopes of a late call-up to play for the Matildas in the Asian Cup have received a hammer blow with her club Brisbane confirming she has suffered an ACL injury.
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The 24-year-old will be sidelined for an extended period after going down in the 91st minute of the Roar's 2-2 draw with Central Coast last Friday night.
She will undergo surgery in the coming weeks followed by an immediate rehabilitation program.
The speedy winger previously tore her ACL in 2021 and missed the entire 2021/2022 A-League Women's season.
While not currently in the Matildas squad, the new injury means Freier will miss any chance to feature in the Asian Cup, with the Australians set to open their campaign against the Philippines in Perth on March 1.
The 24-year-old has played 11 times for the national side, most recently in the She Believes Cup last February, where she came on as a substitute against the US.
The injury also comes after Roar captain Tameka Yallop's Asian Cup hopes were already ruined by a serious hamstring tear, while Western Sydney's Chloe Logarzo Berryhill retired after a recent ACL tear.
"We are all heartbroken for Sharn, especially after already experiencing an ACL injury a few years ago," Brisbane coach Alex Smith said.
"We will all be there for Sharn, whatever she needs. We look forward to seeing Sharn back on the field."
The loss of Freier is a blow for the Roar as she's been one of the critical playmakers for the side, scoring three goals and assisting four this season.
Brisbane currently sit second in a congested A-League ladder and play the first placed Melbourne City on Sunday.
Australian Associated Press
