Matildas superstar Mary Fowler makes tough decision to withdraw from upcoming friendlies in Australia as Man City striker looks to focus on her mental and physical health

Mary Fowler has ruled herself out of the Matildas’ upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Chinese Taipei to prioritize her mental and physical health.

The 21-year-old announced the news in a statement on Sunday after helping Manchester City to a 2-1 win in the Women’s Champions League against Hammerby last week.

The Australian forward has had a busy start to the new season, continuing to play for both Matildas and City, while also holidaying with friend Nathan Cleary in Britain and Europe.

She has made 13 appearances for her club this season in both the WSL and Women’s Champions League, having also recently traveled for the Matildas in their matches against Switzerland and Germany.

Fowler admitted that the ‘demanding’ start to the season was a ‘challenge’ and added that she wanted to take some time to recharge to perform at her best for both City and the Matildas.

“Playing for the national team is something I never take for granted,” Fowler said in a statement.

Mary Fowler has announced she has withdrawn from Australia’s upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Chinese Taipei

Fowler recently enjoyed a romantic holiday with her boyfriend Nathan Cleary, with the pair pictured traveling around Britain and Europe

Fowler stated that her schedule has been ‘demanding’ of late and said she wanted to sit out the upcoming Matildas matches.

“It is an incredible honor to represent Australia every time I pull on the jersey. However, past experiences have made me realize that my mind and my body are also things that I should never take for granted either.

‘Over the past few months, playing an increasingly demanding schedule has been both exciting and sometimes challenging.

‘I love being able to play at the top level of my sport, but realizing that my body and mind sometimes need rest has been an invaluable lesson for me.

‘I have therefore decided to take this time to prioritize recovery, to refresh both mentally and physically so that I can continue to put my best self forward for both club and country.

“I really appreciate everyone’s support and understanding, and I hope to see you all soon.”

Cleary, meanwhile, has been enjoying some downtime lately, following his romantic getaway to Europe with Fowler.

The NRL star, fresh from leading the Panthers to their fourth consecutive premiership victory, was pictured this week enjoying a family holiday with his father and coach Ivan Cleary.

It came after Cleary underwent surgery on a troublesome shoulder injury after returning to Australia from Europe.

Some fans rallied around Fowler online, with one writing on X: “I hope she can rest well and come back better than ever!”

This season she has made 13 appearances for City in both the WSL and Women’s Champions League

Fowler and Cleary enjoyed their time away from their respective codes and appeared to have painted portraits of each other while on vacation

Fowler recently played for Australia as they defeated Germany to travel to Switzerland

He and Fowler had spent time traveling around the United Kingdom before taking several trips through Europe.

The pair were spotted in Mallorca, while Cleary also followed Fowler to Switzerland to watch her play for the Matildas.

Over the past few months, they’ve shared several photos of each other on their social media accounts, with Fowler and Cleary most notably painting portraits of each other.

The Matildas face Brazil on Thursday and again in Brisbane and the Gold Coast on Sunday before taking on Chinese Taipei in Victoria on December 4 and 7.

Fans have rallied behind Fowler following the news, with one writing: ‘Hope she can rest well and come back better than ever!’

The Matildas could be without a number of other key stars, with A-League midfielders Isabel Gomez and Hana Lowry both doubtful.

Gomez suffered a nasty collision during Central Coast’s draw against Melbourne Victory last weekend – and the extent of her injuries is yet to be revealed.

Lowry, meanwhile, suffered a knee injury during Sydney’s draw against Melbourne City.