Setback for Australia with goalkeeper Teagan Micah sidelined for Women's Asian Cup

Australia faced a disappointment on Saturday during their bid to claim the Women's Asian Cup title, as goalkeeper Teagan Micah has been forced to sit out the event due to a concussion.

The player from Lyon had been considered the leading option for head coach Joe Montemurro's primary goalkeeper position in the competition, which Australia is hosting between March 1 and 21.

Although she made the squad announcement on Thursday, Micah shared on Instagram that she felt "simply not ready" to participate.

"I am truly devastated to have to withdraw from the Asian Cup," she posted.

"I recently sustained another concussion and although I have pushed my hardest to be back in time, I am simply just not ready.

"The timing feels absolutely cruel ... and sometimes football and elite sports can break your heart and truly test you not just as a player but as a person."

This marks yet another difficult moment for Micah, who was also absent from the 2023 World Cup held in her home country because of ongoing concussion issues.

Micah's spot has been taken by Chloe Lincoln from Brisbane Roar, while Mackenzie Arnold of the Portland Thorns is now the top choice for Montemurro.

Australia, captained by Sam Kerr, will begin the 12-team event in Perth on March 1 facing the Philippines.

The Matildas have secured the trophy just once across the 20 previous versions of the tournament, back in 2010.

China, the current title holders, will start their effort against newcomers Bangladesh in Sydney on March 3.