While COVID-19 has forced the cancellation or early conclusion to some football leagues around the world, a host of Westfield Matildas have resumed their commitments in Europe. 

On the Matildas Abroad wrap several national teammates went head-to-head for their respective clubs this past weekend in Norway. 

While over in England, the FA Women’s Super League pre-season got underway with Westfield Matildas reporting for new clubs. 

NORWAY

Katrina Gorry and Clare Polkinghorne kicked off Round Three for Avaldsnes in Norway’s Toppserien, facing Westfield Matildas team-mate Tegan Micah, who made her third start in goal for Arna-Bjørnar.

The trio all played the full 90 minutes, with Avaldsnes claiming a 1-0 win after Micah was unable to keep striker Rasheedat Ajibade’s rebounded shot out of the net.

Last week, despite Arna-Bjørnar’s 1-0 home loss to Klepp, Micah’s performance earned her a second consecutive appearance in the Toppserien Team of the Week.

Polkinghorne also kicked off her Norwegian season last week, playing in a 2-2 draw for Avaldsnes against Kolbotn, while Gorry did not see any minutes after arriving later to the club. 

Karly Roestbakken’s LSK Kvinner hosted Sandviken in the final match of Round 3, with the right-back playing her second full game, helping her team to their first win of the season.

SWEDEN

In Sweden’s Damallsvenskan, Elise Kellond-Knight had a tough start to her season with Kristianstads DFF, confirming that she suffered an ACL injury in the opening round.

Last week also saw the news that Emily Gielnik will join the Swedish league after signing with Vittsjö. 

FRANCE

Laura Brock was unveiled by her new club Guingamp, with the defender securing a one-year deal.  She joins Ellie Carpenter (OL) and Emma Checker (FC Fleury 91) in the French league. 

After her high profile move to the defending champions Lyon, Carpenter looked to be settling in well with pre-season training undertaken on a stunning backdrop. 

Following a change of the UEFA Women’s League rules, Carpenter will now be available to play for the defending champions in the prestigious club competition. 

ENGLAND

Westfield Matildas vice-captain Steph Catley stepped onto the training pitch with the Gunners for the first time.    

Catley was joined by a familiar face with Caitlin Foord matching her stride for stride at the North London training ground. 

Across in South West London, captain Sam Kerr reported for her first pre-season training session with recently crowned FA WSL champions Chelsea. 

Meanwhile Mackenzie Arnold also looks to have settled into her new life and new colours with West Ham.