Tony Gustavsson has repeatedly refused to answer questions about whether Sam Kerr trained on Sunday, one day before his Matildas face Canada with their home World Cup campaign on the line.

Kerr, who has been sidelined with an injured calf since the start of the tournament, announced on Saturday she is “definitely going to be available” for Monday night’s do-or-die clash at AAMI Park.

Yet mystery continues to surround the captain’s physical fitness. On Sunday, Kerr arrived late for Australia’s final training session before flying out of their Brisbane camp, having been busy with rehab commitments.

When she turned up towards the end of the 15-minute window open to media, she did have her boots on, though was not seen running.

Gustavsson, being interviewed by host broadcaster Optus Sport, was asked if Kerr did take part in the squad session and if she would play against Canada. He gave a lengthy answer without revealing much at all.

“Fair question,” Gustavsson started. “We had an extra press conference yesterday so that we make sure we really respect all the fans out there who want to have answers, and Sam took her time to answer all those questions.

“So in terms of today and tomorrow I will quote Sam, as an answer, and then move on and focus on the game tomorrow. What Sam said yesterday is it’s always been the plan to rest her for two games and rehab, reassess going into this game, and then it’s going to be down to the wire.

“We’re going to have a meeting tonight, and the SSSM — the medical team — is going to tell me what minutes she’s available and what the risks are included with that. And like Sam said herself, we’re not going to say anything until game day on whether we use her as a starter or a game changer off the bench. It’s all about the plan for 90 minutes and how we think she might have the most effect in the game, and also the risks.”