Matildas prodigy Mary Fowler is ruled out of Nigeria Women's World Cup clash

In a huge blow for Australia, star Matildas prodigy Mary Fowler has been sensationally ruled out of the side's clash with Nigeria after sustaining a concussion in training.

With superstar striker Sam Kerr still on the sidelines, it leaves the Matildas with a huge hole up front - and may force Tony Gustavsson to divert from his favoured 4-4-2 formation.

The Manchester City forward suffered what Football Australia termed a 'mild concussion', with veteran Luik also ruled out for the same reason after separate incidents at training on Tuesday.

The pair have both fully recovered and will now enter into Football Australia's return to play protocol, that protects players who have head knocks.