Star Matildas defender Ellie Carpenter is feeling better than ever following her return from the knee injury that threatened to derail her World Cup journey.
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The 23-year-old has timed her recovery to perfection after rupturing her left anterior cruciate ligament in devastating circumstances while playing for Lyon during the 2022 Champions League final.
A determined Carpenter attacked her rehab with vigour, lining up for Lyon again less than nine months after suffering the dreaded knee injury.
The right back featured in Australia's matches against Scotland and England in April to give her added confidence ahead of the World Cup campaign on home soil, which kicks off on July 20.
"I'm feeling probably better than ever," Carpenter said after being named in the Matildas' 23-player squad on Monday.
"My rehab was a great time for me to get back stronger.
"I've had half the season in Lyon to play; I played Champions League level, league games, cup games, so I've got a good amount of game time in before the World Cup.
"The last three weeks in preparation camp I felt really fresh. I'm really in a good space."
Carpenter's absence from the national team during her injury lay-off allowed youngster Charlotte Grant to step up.
Clare Hunt has emerged at centre-back, while Courtney Nevin is a genuine option centrally or out wide in defence.
"I love that. It's great," Carpenter said when asked how she felt about having to fight for her spot.
"It just shows the depth to the squad and we never had that (before). We never had anyone knocking on anyone's positions.
"It's the best thing that could happen - we want three, four or five people knocking on that right-back position."
"This is the strongest squad we have had in the history of the Matildas in World Cup campaigns. I'm really confident in this team."
Despite losing to Scotland during their UK stint, the Matildas hit back with a memorable 2-0 victory over European champions England five days later.
"After that win against England we have a newfound respect," Carpenter said.
"Especially when I went back to my club (in Lyon), everyone was bit shocked."
Australian Associated Press
