Matildas coach Joe Montemurro has refused to rule goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold either in or out of Sunday’s Women’s Asian Cup opening game against the Philippines.

Arnold’s health status has provided a question mark over the goalkeeping position throughout the week, but the Women’s World Cup hero took a step towards proving her fitness at training on Saturday.

In the 15 minutes of training open to media at Sam Kerr Football Centre, Arnold joined fellow goalkeepers Chloe Lincoln and Morgan Aquino on track and trained fully during the short window.

Aquino, the former Perth Glory star, is a train-on player rather than a full member of the squad. The third goalkeeper in the squad outside of Arnold and Lincoln is uncapped Jada Whyman, who was not spotted during the 15-minute window.

With fellow ‘keeper Teagan Micah already ruled out of the tournament due to concussion, any injury to Arnold could be a seismic blow.

Montemurro said he had not made any decisions on the final make-up of his starting 11 just yet, but all players had been placed on individual programs upon their arrival from their overseas clubs.

If the Matildas reach the final, they will have to play six games in the space of 21 days and Montemurro was wary of not over-cooking any of his players.

“We’ve had to manage a lot of the returns because of the nature of the tournament, and a lot of players playing on the weekend, or being involved on the weekend, so all of them are on individual scenarios to get right,” he said.

“We’re monitoring it and we’ve got it in control with our medical staff, who will make some decisions in the next 24 hours.

“There’s no decisions made yet of anyone playing. I’m still deciding on what my starting line-up is going to be.”

Kyra Cooney-Cross has played just 17 minutes for Arsenal since the start of the year after returning to Australia to spend time with her mother, who is battling cancer.

The midfielder has not trained fully with the squad since they arrived in Perth but Montemurro said they were being cautious given the demanding schedule.

“The lead-up has been very tight and a lot of players were playing on the weekend, so we’ve got them all on individual programs,” he said.

“We’re thinking ahead too, we’re going to take the opportunities to make sure that players are ready at the right time to be part of the group, but she’s travelling well.”

Montemurro’s first camp as Matildas coach came in Perth last June. He has been afforded little runway to imprint his tactical philosophies on the group, but said his overriding feeling ahead of the opener was excitement.

“I’m really looking forward to getting on the pitch, to be honest. It’s been a journey, a different journey, to get here but these are special occasions,” he said.

“These are occasions that you treasure in our sport, as professionals, and there’s a lot of pride from my personal perspective, to be able to be part of this special group.

“We’re looking forward to an amazing tournament. There’s going to be some special memories made.”