Kyah Simon Eyes Matildas Comeback Following Injury Recovery

Kyah Simon, a seasoned player with 111 international caps, has experienced a 16-year milestone: her first genuine off-season since making her debut for the Central Coast Mariners in 2008. As she approaches the A-League Women season, Simon has not been included in the Matildas squad for the Paris 2024 Olympics, giving her a rare break from continuous play.

At the A-Leagues launch, Simon expressed her refreshed state, saying, “It was the first proper off-season I’ve had in 16 years of my whole career and then the first official pre-season ever in my career this year.” She added, “I’m feeling really refreshed, mentally and physically.”

After spending time with clubs such as Houston Dash, PSV Eindhoven, and Tottenham Hotspur, Simon returned to Australia in October 2023, joining the Mariners despite recovering from an ACL injury and a subsequent calf injury. Her tenure saw 12 appearances, and now she re-signs with Sydney FC for her third stint.

“It feels great. It feels like I’m returning home,” Simon remarked about her move. She emphasized the professional environment now available to female footballers: “To walk back into an environment where it is professional, where we have the facilities we need to excel as footballers (is great).”

Simon is targeting a return to the national team in November, stating, “With this window being over in Europe for me, (I’m not sure) whether it’s ideal to duck off over there and then deal with the travel and jet lag.” She is focusing on proving her fitness and form with Sydney FC first.

Meanwhile, Melbourne Victory‘s Emily Gielnik is also pursuing a comeback to the Matildas. Gielnik, suffering from a recent calf injury, remains optimistic about regaining her spot, stating, “I’m happy to voice it; I am wanting to have the season of my life because Matildas is back where I want to be and I am pushing for that.”

In a related development, Matildas veteran Elise Kellond-Knight announced her retirement from professional football, concluding her illustrious career with 114 international appearances.