Injury forces Arnold, Grant out of Matildas squad

An arm injury has ruled Matildas goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold out of the series against Canada.

Matildas goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold has been ruled out of the looming friendly series against Canada because of an arm injury.

And defender Charlotte Grant will also miss the internationals on this Friday and December 5 due to a hamstring complaint.

The duo join Holly McNamara, who was withdrawn last week after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament, in pulling out of the series in Canada.

Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson has summoned Sydney FC’s Jada Whyman into the squad as one of three goalkeepers along with Lydia Williams and Teagan Micah.

Gustavsson has also called up attacker Remy Siemsen and midfielder Alex Chidiac to join the 23-strong squad ahead of Friday’s friendly in Langford and game two in Vancouver.

Gustavsson enters the Matildas’ final internationals of the year amid speculation linking him to Sweden vacant men’s head coach role.

Swedish outlet Sportsbladet last Friday reported Gustavsson has met with the Swedish Football Association and is one of three candidates for the role vacated by Janne Andersson.

Gustavsson, who is Swedish, is contracted by Australia until after next year’s Paris Olympics.

In a statement released by Football Australia, Gustavsson stressed his commitment to the Matildas but didn’t directly address the Swedish report.