<h2>Matildas Set to Gamble on Mary Fowler Fitness for Asian Cup – The Three Points News Summary:</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>- &nbsp; Mary Fowler expected to be named in Australia's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/soccer/afc-womens-asian-cup/afc-ladies-asian-cup/afc-women-s-asian-cup-2026-outrights-10015950">Asian Cup</a> squad despite playing only 15 minutes since ACL injury return</p> <p>- &nbsp; Charli Grant increasingly likely to miss selection due to ongoing knee injury that has kept her sidelined since November</p> <p>- &nbsp; Joe Montemurro will announce his 26-player squad on Thursday ahead of tournament opener against Philippines on March 1</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Fowler Gets Green Light Despite Limited Game Time</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Manchester City forward Mary Fowler looks set to earn her place in Australia's Women's Asian Cup squad despite having played just 15 minutes of competitive football since returning from her anterior cruciate ligament injury.</p> <p>The 23-year-old creative force sustained the knee injury in April 2025 and made her comeback earlier this month with a brief cameo appearance in City's victory over Chelsea.</p> <p>However, Fowler has since missed her club's last two Women's Super League fixtures with what coach Andree Jeglertz described as a "knock".</p> <p>The talented forward hasn't represented Australia since the friendly series against South Korea in April last year, where the Matildas secured victories in both matches.</p> <p>Montemurro's decision to include Fowler demonstrates the high regard in which the coaching staff hold her abilities, particularly given Australia's ambitions to finally capture a major tournament on home soil.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Grant's Tournament Hopes Fade</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>In contrast, defender Charli Grant faces mounting disappointment with her Asian Cup selection prospects appearing increasingly slim.</p> <p>The popular Matildas squad member has yet to return to action for Tottenham after suffering a knee injury last year, with her last competitive appearance coming in November.</p> <p>Despite Spurs coach Martin Ho indicating last week that Grant was "close" to availability, time appears to have run out for the full-back's tournament inclusion.</p> <p>An omission would extend Grant's unfortunate injury-plagued period, having already missed out on the Paris Olympics after Australia failed to reach the knockout stages.</p> <p>Grant's situation mirrors her World Cup experience, where she deputised for injured Ellie Carpenter during preparation but managed only two minutes of game time in Australia's 4-0 group stage victory over Canada.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>High Expectations for Home Tournament</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Asian Cup represents a golden opportunity for Australia's current generation to secure their first major trophy.</p> <p>Football Australia deputy chief executive Heather Garriock has backed Montemurro's appointment as providing the Matildas with the competitive edge needed for success.</p> <p>"We've set them up for success," Garriock stated. "Nearly 10 or 11 months ago, we appointed one of the best coaches in the world in Joe. Out of the 12 teams at the Asian Cup, we've got the best coach."</p> <p>The tournament begins with Australia facing the Philippines in Perth on March 1, followed by Iran on the Gold Coast on March 5, before concluding&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/soccer/afc-womens-asian-cup/afc-ladies-asian-cup/afc-women-s-asian-cup-2026-group-a-10136243">the group stage</a> against South Korea in Sydney on March 8.</p> <p>With home advantage and heightened expectations, the pressure will be firmly on Montemurro's squad to deliver Australia's long-awaited breakthrough on the international stage.</p> <p>The squad announcement on Thursday will provide the clearest indication of Australia's tactical approach and ambitions for the upcoming campaign.</p>