Matildas defender Ellie Carpenter is set to recover from her ruptured ACL in time for next year's FIFA Women's World Cup.
A lynchpin of the Australian defence, Carpenter tore her ACL playing for Lyon in the Champion's League final in May and underwent surgery.
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She had been set for a race against the clock to play at the World Cup, to be co-hosted in Australia and New Zealand, but exactly 365 days out from the opening game kickoff, Carpenter was confident she would play.
"One of my main goals is to be back well before [the World Cup]," she told reporters. "It's day by day but that's definitely in the back of my mind."
Carpenter began her recovery in France and will return to Europe after six weeks visiting family in Australia.
"It's important for me to split up my rehab a little bit," she said. "I haven't been home in quite a while so I know that will help me physically and mentally to come back stronger."
Carpenter said the chance to play at a home World Cup had given her another reason to stay positive.
"It's obviously going to be very emotional to walk out to hopefully sold-out crowds and sing the national anthem in front of family and friends," she said. "Having it at home in our backyard is going to be amazing."
An understrength Matildas capitulated 7-0 against Spain last month and eked out a 1-1 draw with Portugal in the following fixture.
Sam Kerr, Mary Fowler and Caitlin Foord were among the regular Matildas to miss the matches, but Carpenter said the losses were no cause for concern.
"I know if we have everyone in the squad fit and firing, we will go very well," she said. "Everyone is doing everything they can behind the scenes."
