The Matildas could find their firepower blunted in the build-up to the Asian Cup after an injury to Kyah Simon in the W-League grand final.
The Melbourne City forward suffered a hamstring injury on Sunday in the club's 2-0 triumph over Sydney FC and is touch and go to leave for the Algarve Cup in Portugal on Tuesday.
She was quickly taken under the wing of Matildas officials, given the national team is due to head to Europe this week for the invitational tournament.
Simon's chances of playing were described as "far from certain" in a further blow for Alen Stajcic's side.
Another key Matildas forward, Caitlin Foord, has been scrubbed from the next few months of football with a foot injury suffered in Sydney FC's semi-final.
The Algarve Cup is being used by Stajcic as the chief preparation for April's Asian Cup in Jordan.
That tournament is of supreme importance given it doubles as World Cup qualifiers for the 2019 event.
While Foord will be missing from both the Algarve Cup and Asian Cup, it's understood Simon is not in danger of missing the continental championship.
City teammate Steph Catley said Simon's absence in Portugal would be felt.
"It would be a big blow," she said.
"She had scans today. I'm not sure of the results just yet but she's in with the national team so she's being looked after.
"She's been working her way back to form, to how she used to be before she got injured and she's been amazing for us this year.
"She sets up so much around the ground. She's been sharp and enjoying her football.
"It'd be a big shame for her but ... missing the Algarve in comparison to missing the Asian Cup, that would be (worse)."
Simon said on Sunday that the injury, which forced her substitution after an hour, soured her grand final success.
"It's disappointing and bittersweet. We got the job done and I'm happy we won the championship," she told AAP.
"If I had it my way I'd obviously still be on the plane to go but it's out of my control.
"It just depends on how bad it is - if it's over two or three weeks that rules me out."
First-choice Matildas goalkeeper Lydia Williams, who collided with both Leena Khamis and Lisa De Vanna during the match, escaped with a corked leg.
"It should be fine," Williams said.
"It's basically a bruise to the muscle rather than any kind of (structural) damage, so it should be pretty easy to ice and rest."
Australian Associated Press
