Matildas captain Steph Catley and defender Kaitlyn Torpey have been ruled out of Australia's friendly against Canada, raising queries over their fitness barely two weeks out from the Olympics.
Catley, 30, who has been stand-in captain while Sam Kerr is sidelined with her ACL tear, will miss the game due to a lower leg injury suffered before she joined up with her Matildas teammates for training camp in Spain.
Torpey, who was a bolter into the Olympics squad after an impressive start to her international career, is recovering from a lower leg injury sustained at NWSL club San Diego Wave.
Football Australia did not provide any timelines or specifics on either injury but confirmed on Wednesday both players will remain with the Matildas squad in the extended training camp during their rehabilitation.
It is understood the Matildas are working to ensure both players are ready for Australia's opening game against Germany on July 25.
But the recovery timeline is tight, while the Olympics group stage schedule is also brutally condensed.
Australia play Germany in Marseille, then Zambia in Nice on July 28 then the US in Marseille on July 31.
The Matildas are aiming to claim a medal in Paris after finishing fourth in Tokyo.
If starting left-back Catley is unable to return to full fitness ahead of the group stage, it would be a massive blow for Australia, given both her quality and leadership.
Torpey, 24, is far less established than Catley but is expected to play an important role in Tony Gustavsson's squad, given her versatility.
She can play as either a full-back or a winger.
Defender Winonah Heatley has been called up as an additional training player for the July international window.
Heatley, 23, is yet to make her international debut but has been a regular in recent camps after impressive club form in Denmark.
Australia has an 18-player squad, plus four travelling 'alternate' or reserves for the Olympics.
The Matildas' friendly against Canada is on Saturday in Marbella (Sunday morning AEST).
