Western United ALW Team News: Round 18 vs Canberra United

Western United fans could see two debuts in the Liberty A-League Women as Kat Smith’s side takes on Canberra United on Friday afternoon.

Catherine Zimmerman is named in the extended squad and poised for her first appearance in Green and Black while Kathrine Larsen is also in contention after signing for the Club last week.

Arriving from Melbourne Victory in the off-season, Zimmerman has now recovered from the foot injury that has kept her out of action this season.

The American was close to returning earlier this year, but a minor setback ultimately delayed her first chance to pull on her No.34 jersey.

Now, Zimmerman will provide Smith with a timely boost heading into the final five weeks of the regular season and will be eager to get amongst the goals as soon as she can.

Larsen has been training with her new teammates since arriving in Australia last week and will be hoping to make a debut of her own, coming into the squad after Hillary Beall’s departure.

The Danish international has already shown her quality on the training track and will be aiming to step out in her new colours in front of the home fans for the first time.

Alyssa Dall’Oste will provide competition for the start in goal, though, aiming to add to her five Liberty A-League appearances to date – four of which have come in this season.

Western United stars have been busy over the international break with Chloe Logarzo, Tyla Jay Vlajnic and Jaclyn Sawicki all representing their nations.

Smith and her staff will evaluate their fitness and match readiness, particularly that of Vlajnic and Sawicki who are set for long flights home from Europe.

With places potentially up for grabs, the likes of Emma Robers and Julia Sardo will be hoping to return to the line-up, while Aimee Medwin will fancy a first start since her return from injury after impressing in her substitute cameos so far.

Kahli Johnson will miss this clash as she and the Young Matildas kick off their AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup campaign this weekend. Western United fans can watch Johnson in action against South Korea on Sunday, with the match kicking off at 7pm AEDT on 10 Play.

Everyone else is reporting for duty, except for Raquel Deralas who has stepped up her recovery from back surgery by returning to a running program in training.

Full Western United extended squad

Western United squad: 1. Alyssa DALL’OSTE (gk), 2. Stacey PAPADOPOULOS, 4. Jaclyn SAWICKI, 5. Aimee MEDWIN, 6. Chloe LOGARZO, 7. Kiara DE DOMIZIO, 9. Hannah KEANE, 11. Emma ROBERS, 12. Lucy RICHARDS, 13. Avaani PRAKASH, 14. Natasha DAKIC, 15. Adriana TARANTO, 16. Melissa TARANTO, 18. Grace MAHER, 19. Tyla Jay VLAJNIC, 20. Keiwa HIEDA, 22. Alana CERNE, 24. Julia SARDO, 31. Kathrine LARSEN, 34. Catherine ZIMMERMAN

Ins: 7. Kiara DE DOMIZIO, 11. Emma ROBERS, 12. Lucy RICHARDS, 24. Julia SARDO, 31. Kathrine LARSEN (new signing), 34. Catherine ZIMMERMAN (returns from injury)

Outs: 10. Kahli JOHNSON (international duty), 21. Hillary BEALL (departed)

Unavailable: 17. Raquel DERALAS (injured)