Sam Kerr has been ruled out of Australia’s Women’s World Cup opener against Ireland and the subsequent game against Nigeria through injury.

Kerr, the Matildas’ captain and all-time leading goalscorer, picked up a calf injury in Wednesday’s final training session.

According to Football Australia, the Chelsea striker will be assessed after the Matildas’ second group game against Nigeria in Brisbane on July 27.

“Unfortunately I sustained a calf injury yesterday in training,” Kerr said.

“I wanted to share this with everyone so there is no distraction from us doing what we came here to achieve.

“Of course I would have loved to have been out there tonight but I can’t wait to be a part of this amazing journey, which starts now.”

Mary Fowler replaces Kerr in Australia’s starting line-up aganst Ireland at Stadium Australia on Thursday night and is the only change to the team that beat France 1-0 in Melbourne.

Ireland star Denise O’Sullivan has overcome a shin injury to start.

Amid campaigns for equal pay and conditions for female athletes, the 2023 World Cup is fast becoming the best argument for women’s sports.

Close to 1.4 million tickets have been snapped up, surpassing previous tournament records.

More Matildas jerseys have sold than the Socceroos managed during and since the 2022 men’s World Cup, according to sportswear brand Nike.

Almost 80,000 fans will watch the Tillies kick off their World Cup campaign against the Republic of Ireland at Stadium Australia, a national record crowd for women’s football.

The match was initially scheduled to take place at the 42,000-capacity Sydney Football Stadium, but Football Australia (FA) and FIFA agreed to take a chance and flip the game to the bigger venue.

“At the time there were a lot of questions about whether we’d sell this out,” FA chief executive James Johnson told AAP.

“We took a decision to shift to Stadium Australia and I’m so delighted to see this wonderful stadium sell out, it actually brings a tear to my eye.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese sent a message of support to the Matildas ahead of their opening game.

“The whole of Australia is cheering you on tonight,” he said in a video.

“You’ll do us proud.”

MATILDAS XI

Mackenzie Arnold (GK); Steph Catley, Alanna Kennedy, Clare Hunt, Ellie Carpenter; Katrina Gorry, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Caitlin Foord; Cortnee Vine, Hayley Raso, Mary Fowler

-AAP