It was a night of mixed emotions for Western United captain Chloe Logarzo as she returned the Matildas line up on Wednesday.
The luckless midfielder was playing her first Matildas game since tearing her ACL against Ireland in October 2022 and it was her first start since 2021.
She was in tears before the game as she made an emotional return.
Unfortunately, Logarzo was forced off inside the first half-hour after a head clash in the 3-1 win.
The 29-year-old pleaded with Australia’s medical staff to allow her to play on and was in tears when she was replaced by Alex Chidiac.
Interim Matildas coach Tom Sermanni didn’t know yet whether a “devastated” Logarzo was concussed – which would also rule her out of the Matildas’ second match against Taiwan on Saturday at GMHBA Stadium – with the doctors still looking at the midfielder after the match.
“She’s got the old egg on the side of her head at the moment. She feels good,” he said straight after Wednesday night’s game.
“Hopefully it’s not too bad and hopefully she might come into discussions for the next game.”
Speaking to Star Weekly before the series, Logarzo said it was an unique opportunity to get back into the side.
“We’re playing four games outside the window,” she said. “I’m coming in for the second portion of it. I’m just here to enjoy myself and have a good time, find the love of the game again.
“I’m loving aspects and thoroughly enjoying and challenging myself. I find myself here at Western and giving back to the game as much as I can.
“Through that I am finding enjoyment back in it. The national team and getting back in camp, I think will definitely give me a kick in the right direction, let me feel all the things that I used to feel.”
With Anna Harrington, AAP
