Matildas star Mary Fowler has been ruled out of upcoming friendly matches against Germany and Haiti due to personal circumstances.

Football Australia confirmed on Tuesday morning that Fowler would not feature in the upcoming international window.

Four-cap Charlton midfielder has been Leah Davidson called up in her place.

“Mary Fowler has been withdrawn from the October international window due to personal circumstances,” FA said.

“The decision was made following discussions between Fowler, Manchester City and Matildas staff.”

While no further details were given for Fowler’s withdrawal, it follows a similar move in November 2024, when she skipped matches against Brazil and Chinese Taipei to “refresh both mentally and physically” and spend time with family. In turn, that came just a month after she fronted a campaign for Lifeline.

Fowler, 23, spends most of her year in England, playing for club team Manchester City. That means little time for her family in Queensland or NRL star boyfriend Nathan Cleary.

He recently had surgery on both legs after a shocking incident in the NRL preliminary final against Newcastle.

When Fowler last stepped away from the Matildas, she spent much of her time with her extended family and friends, before returning in much better form for Manchester City.

“Playing for the national team is something that I never take for granted. I have, however, through past experiences, come to realise that my mind and my body are also things that I should also never take for granted,” she said in 2024.

Her absence is a blow for coach Joe Montemurro ahead of the two important friendlies. The 23-year-old has been in terrific form for club Manchester City and likely would have played a key role in both games as Australia’s best creative attacking player.

The Matildas are already without star midfielder Kyra Cooney-Cross for this window.

The games against Germany in Karlsruhe on Saturday AEDT and Haiti in Chambly next Wednesday will be critical preparation for next year’s World Cup.

Montemurro has been keen to test his Matildas team against a variety of opponents.

World No.3 Germany is an ominous prospect while world No.47 Haiti has the powers of Ellie Carpenter’s former Lyon teammate Melchie Dumornay, one of the best attackers in the world.

Davidson, 25, has been rewarded after making an off-season move from Melbourne City to England’s top flight with newly-promoted Charlton. She has four caps and one goal since her debut in 2004.

With the exception of Melbourne Victory goalkeeper Courtney Newbon, every player in the squad named on Tuesday is based overseas.

Newbon, Hana Lowry and Tori Tumeth are the only uncapped players.

-with AAP