Louise Quinn has emerged as an injury doubt for tomorrow’s clash between the Republic of Ireland and Canada. Following last Thursday’s 1-0 defeat to Australia, Quinn was seen wearing a protective boot, having picked up a knock in the game.
Despite this, Quinn took full-part in training on Tuesday evening, and is expected to be available for selection on Wednesday. Prior to the session, manager Vera Pauw revealed that Quinn’s injury was concerning and that her ability to play would depend on her participation in training.
In an interview with RTÉ Pauw stated that "We are also a bit concerned," adding that "We think that she can play but we are always honest. She is going to train [today], and see how far she gets. It's a foot injury.”
Heather Payne is also a worry for Pauw as she has been wearing light strapping for a tight hamstring. While she is expected to be available for the Canada game, she did not participate in the squad’s small-sided training games.
Defender Louise Quinn travelled from Brisbane to Perth on Sunday wearing a protective boot following a knock picked up in Ireland’s 1-0 loss to Australia.
She is due to train with the squad on Monday and is expected to be available for the game against Canada on Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/U6SkuIh9EE— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) July 23, 2023
Having both started the game against Australia, the hope is that both Quinn and Payne are fit for selection.
Quinn’s ability to hold the defensive line against the Matildas and her skill in aerial defence could prove key against Canada's experienced attack. Her inability to play would be a massive loss for the squad.
However, Ireland have a well-experienced bench of defenders with Diane Caldwell, Áine O’Gorman and Chloe Mustaki ready to step in, if necessary.
When asked about the upcoming clash with the Olympic Champions Pauw added that "Canada is a very, very experienced team and they know how to have patience in getting their results,”
Pauw and her squad know that their future in this World Cup relies heavily on tomorrow’s game, where a defeat would bring their World Cup journey to an end.
“Winning starts with not losing,” Pauw said. “If you play a game like this against an Olympic champion, I have to stay realistic but it’s clear that if we want to go through in this group, we need a result.
“If we win, we have it in our own hands. If we have a draw then we depend on other results.
The Girls in Green will kick-off their second world cup game tomorrow against Canada in Perth at 1pm Irish time.
Check out this video at the link below to get to know some of the players representing Ireland on the World Stage.
