Tameka Yallop has been ruled out of the Matildas’ opening Olympics clash with Germany because of injury, offering a dream opportunity for her Brisbane Roar teammate Sharn Freier to step in.

The Australian women’s team were forced into the late change hours before their tough start against Olympic powerhouse Germany in Marseille on Thursday with the 33-year-old veteran midfielder Yallop still not ready for a recall after two contact injuries she suffered in early July.

Yallop, who had to be withdrawn from the Olympic warm-up against Canada on July 13, will be replaced by Freier, who celebrated her 23rd birthday on Wednesday and now has the chance to make her Olympic debut.

Two-time Women’s World Cup winners Germany won Olympic gold in 2016 - when they drew 2-2 with Australia in the group stage - after three consecutive bronze medals.

The last time Australia played Germany, in Tony Gustavsson’s coaching debut with the team, and their first match since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, a disjointed Matildas suffered a 5-2 defeat.

But since then the Germans made a Women’s World Cup group stage exit and have had mixed performances in Euro 2025 qualifying.

Yallop has returned to full training and is expected to be fit to be back in the 18-player squad for the Matildas’ next match against Zambia in Nice on Sunday.