SYDNEY, Feb 4, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Manchester City striker Mary Fowler returned to the Australia squad named Tuesday for the SheBelieves Cup following a short break to refresh physically and mentally.

The 10th edition of the prestigious international women's football competition later this month also features hosts the United States, Japan and Colombia.

Fowler opted out of home friendlies in November but returns as part of a 23-player Matildas squad and on the back of some strong performances for City.

"She's playing very well, she looks on top of her game, she looks fit, she looks healthy, she looks like she's enjoying her football," interim coach Tom Sermanni said of the 21-year-old.

"It will be great to have her back in the squad.

"She's still some ways away from what I would call reaching her prime. She is already a world-class footballer."

Fowler has played 58 times for Australia, scoring 15 goals.

Star striker and captain Sam Kerr remains sidelined with a long-term knee injury and was not in contention.

Australia will be making their SheBelieves Cup debut and are building towards the Women's Asian Cup on home soil next year.

They face Japan on February 20 and three days later play reigning Olympic champions the United States, before meeting Colombia on February 26.

The US women have won the past five SheBelieves titles.