Injured Arnold ruled out of Matildas’ friendly against South Korea

First-choice goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold is the latest high-profile Matildas player to be ruled out of Friday night’s opening friendly against South Korea in Sydney.

Arnold suffered an arm injury at a Matildas training session this week and will miss at least the first match against world number 19 South Korea.

Football Australia (FA) confirmed Arnold would continue to be monitored by the team’s medical staff.

Katrina Gorry (ankle) withdrew ahead of the friendlies window, while Ellie Carpenter (ankle) and Hayley Raso (thigh) were ruled out on Thursday through pre-existing injuries and later sent back to their respective clubs.

It is a disappointing setback for Arnold, who had been starting at club team Portland Thorns FC in the NWSL as she jostles with Teagan Micah to start for the Matildas.

Liverpool goalkeeper Micah is poised to start on Friday and potentially Monday’s second friendly in Newcastle.

The two friendlies against South Korea should be the Matildas’ final matches under interim coach Tom Sermanni.

FA is keen to have Tony Gustavsson’s permanent successor in place by mid-year.

Lyon coach Joe Montemurro is the clear front-runner for the position, although he is contracted for next season.

Western United coach John Aloisi looms as an outside chance after leading a youth-filled team to second in the A-League Men competition.

AAP