Women’s Asian Cup: Matildas stars Steph Catley and Hayley Raso both train with main group ahead of semifinal

The Matildas are in line for two significant boosts ahead of their Women’s Asian Cup semifinal against China on Tuesday night, with star duo Steph Catley and Hayley Raso clearing concussion protocols.

Australia are poised to welcome back a combined 249 caps worth of experience for the do-or-die match against China after the pair both missed the quarterfinal win over North Korea.

And while coach Joe Montemurro was coy on whether the pair would start, he confirmed their availability for the semifinal at Optus Stadium.

“They’ve cleared all the relative protocols and are in the squad for tomorrow night,” he said.

It marks an end to the two very unfortunate ailments after both copped high-velocity balls to the head from close-range during the Matildas’ group stage matches.

During the 15-minute window open to media on Monday morning training at Sam Kerr Football Centre, both left-back Catley and winger Raso joined their teammates on track, participating in the warm-up drills and giving the squad a full compliment of 26 players.

It marked a significant upgrade from the pair’s involvement in the team’s final training session before the quarterfinal, where they were kept aside from the main group.

Where previously the duo were restricted to walking laps and gentle run-throughs in trainers, both Catley and Raso donned boots and were fully involved in their early drills on Monday.

What role they will play and whether they will start remains to be seen, as Montemurro simply said “wait and see” when queried over their starting hopes.

In Catley’s absence, Courtney Nevin struggled at times in the 3-3 draw against South Korea following the vice-captain’s withdrawal due to concussion.

But Kaitlyn Torpey was near-faultless in the role under waves of pressure against North Korea, and Montemurro may want to reward her performance.

Raso has not played since copping two separate balls to the face during Australia’s 4-0 win over Iran on the Gold Coast on March 5.

Midfielder Emily van Egmond said the availability of the veterans was a boost, but she had confidence in whoever played.

“Steph and Raso are a really important part of the team, but equally, it’s given other people an opportunity to come out and contribute to what we’re trying to do here and everyone has played a part so far,” she said.

“That’s the most important thing about being in tournament football: every single person is just as important as your first person on the team sheet. Whoever’s called upon, they have the backing of the entire group.”