Sally Shipard on her training schedule

A nervous wait for World Cup selection.

This week Sally Shipard, Matildas star, writes about World Cup selection, training and the dreaded injury.

Hi I'm Sally Shipard,

Ok well we find out who’s in and who’s out of the World Cup squad in the next couple of days...I haven’t spoken to many of my team-mates who are all in contention for selection. I have spoken to the Canberrans and we are all fairly anxious at the moment.

So girls you want to be a Matilda:

A typical week for me while at home in Canberra consists of driving or sometimes cycling to and from the AIS every day of the week. (approx 20 km one way)

I live with my family in Wanniassa, so the Tuggeranong Parkway is very familiar. The time I leave to venture from the south side to the north depends on what time I have weights or how early my lectures are at uni.

A ‘normal’ week for me consists of weights three times a week. I have 5 field sessions a week, and also 1-2 games per week.

I am lucky enough to have a very flexible job at the AIS. I work for the Australian Sports Commission in the Finance Department. I'm a tour guide also at the AIS, and I try and do a couple every week.

I currently study, Media, at the University of Canberra part-time. I am in class 4 days a week for a couple of hours a day.

Every players nightmare: Injury just before World Cup Selection.

Since Monday this week, I have been advised not to train.

I have aggravated my right Tibia (shin bone). Apparently I have the on-set of shin splints, which is the stage before stress fractures.

Of course I want to avoid this from developing as the World Cup is only round the corner.

I can only afford to have a short break from activities such as running and jumping. For a week and a half I'm only allowed to ride and complete weight sessions involving activities which are non- weight bearing.

This is very frustrating for me, as I have just returned from a long-term injury. My ‘cranky’ shin has already settled down quite substantially, so hopefully taking this time off from running and jumping will pay off.

I enjoy keeping busy and love to always remain active. My lifestyle at the moment suits this very much so.

bye

Sal

Eamonn: Matildas squad will be announced on Monday. We'll have the news here as soon as it is announced.