Everton Women made to wait for Clare Wheeler after Australia latest at Asian Cup
Everton Women star Clare Wheeler helped Australia reach the knockout stages of the Asian Cup after a thrilling draw with South Korea on Sunday.
After Wheeler impressed in Australia’s tournament opener against the Philippines, the Everton ace was an unused substitute for the 4-0 win against Iran on 5 March.
The Matildas brought back Wheeler, Katrina Gorry, Winonah Heatley and vice-captain Steph Catley for their crunch clash with Korea to determine who topped Group A.
Australia led 2-1 at half-time courtesy of goals from Sam Kerr and Alanna Kennedy after Mun Eun-ju put Korea ahead at Stadium Australia, but quickfire goals after the interval turned the game on its head.
Kennedy rescued a draw for Australia with a 98th-minute equaliser to make it 3-3, which ensured their progress into the quarter-finals, but Korea topped the group on goal difference.
Wheeler impresses amid worrying Australia concern
Wheeler came back into the Aussie side for this crunch clash with fellow tournament contenders Korea on Sunday.
The Everton midfielder put in another industrious display, with her work rate and pressing proving valuable for Joe Montemurro’s side.
While she has staked a good claim to start in their quarter-final against either North Korea or China on 13 March with a 70-minute outing, her teammate Catley is an injury concern.
The veteran was struck by the ball in the back of her head, sending her falling to the turf, with reports suggesting she was briefly knocked out before playing on for another 10 minutes.
But left-back Catley couldn’t continue and made way in the 16th minute due to concussion protocols, and may now be in a race against time for the quarter-final as a result.
When could Wheeler return for Everton?
Everton return to Women’s Super League action on Sunday, 15 March, away to high-flying Tottenham in a battle between eighth and fifth in the division.
Subsequent league games against Manchester United and rivals Liverpool follow on 21 and 28 March, respectively.
Even if Wheeler’s Australia lose in the quarter-finals of the Asian Cup, she may not be available for Scott Phelan‘s side for a while yet.
If Australia make it to the final, which takes place on 21 March, Wheeler may miss all of Everton’s March fixtures.
And even if they lose in the last eight, the Matildas will feature in a play-off match ahead of the 2027 World Cup play-offs on 19 March.
Either way, Wheeler will hope to secure Australia’s first Asian Cup trophy since 2010.
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