The Matildas have cleared two key weapons for Tuesday night's Asian Cup semifinal against China in Perth, but coach Joe Montemurro is giving nothing away about whether they will actually take the field.
Hayley Raso and Steph Catley have passed concussion protocols after sustaining injuries earlier in the tournament. Raso has not played since being concussed in the 4-0 win over Iran on March 5, while Arsenal left back Catley sustained her concussion in the 3-3 draw with South Korea three days later.
When asked about their participation against the reigning champions, Montemurro simply said "wait and see," declining to outline his tactical plan. It is a classic piece of pre-match gamesmanship, though it also reflects the genuine uncertainty around their fitness levels ahead of a high-stakes playoff.
The stakes could not be higher. A victory will secure Australia a spot in the final, scheduled for March 21 at Stadium Australia in Sydney. The winner of the other semifinal between South Korea and Japan will provide the opposition.
There is also personal history at play. China's dugout contains a familiar face in former Matildas head coach Ante Milicic, who previously managed Australia to the Round of 16 at the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup. China are the reigning AFC Women's Asian Cup champions after beating Korea Republic 3-2 in stoppage time in 2022, and have had a perfect run to the semifinal with a 2-0 win over Bangladesh, a 3-0 win over Uzbekistan and a 2-1 victory over Korea DPR to top their group.
The Matildas will be without Wang Shuang, China's suspended midfielder who has accumulated too many yellow cards. But the loss of one of their key creative players should not be underestimated. China are described as a hard-working, physical and technically gifted side.
For Australia, Emily van Egmond will become the most-capped player for the Matildas when she takes the field for her 170th international, surpassing Clare Polkinghorne's previous mark of 169. Van Egmond described the milestone as something she is proud of, though she made clear her focus remains on the immediate challenge.
Montemurro has been transparent about one tactical adjustment ahead of the game. The coach said the team needed to be braver with possession, noting that Australia have not controlled the ball as well as they would have liked during the tournament so far. Against a side as well organised as China, ball possession could prove decisive.
The semifinal kicks off at 9pm AEDT on Tuesday evening at Perth Stadium. The match will be broadcast live on Network 10 and Paramount+.