Sawt Falasteen - Australia's Mary Fowler set for long lay-off after ACL injury

The 22-year-old hobbled off during the club's FA Cup semi-final defeat to Manchester United with scans confirming the extent of the injury to her right knee, Football Australia said in a statement late Wednesday.

"I'm really disappointed to be facing some time out of the game," Fowler said in the statement.

"It's never easy when something like this happens especially when you've been working so hard and feeling good. The road ahead will be challenging, but I'm ready to take it on."

It is the same type of injury that has kept Fowler's Australian teammate and Chelsea striker Sam Kerr out action since January last year.

"This is tough news for Mary and for all of us who know the dedication and passion she brings to her craft," said Australia's interim coach Tom Sermanni.

"She's an exceptional talent and a much-loved member of our team, and we know she'll meet this challenge with the same courage she brings to the pitch."

Fowler, who has been capped 64 times, will begin a rehab programme under the care of Manchester City's medical team, with support from Football Australia.

L.Hussein--SF-PST