Matildas star Mary Fowler is primed to make a speedy comeback from a knee reconstruction in a massive boost for Australia's 2026 Women's Asian Cup hopes.

Manchester City forward Fowler is on target to return to action by November, less than seven months after injuring her knee in the FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United in April.

The 22-year-old was facing close to a year on the sidelines, in what shaped as a hammer blow to Australia's hopes of winning the Asian Cup.

But coach Montemurro says Fowler is progressing better than expected ahead of the March tournament.

"I spoke to her the other day and she's on track," Montemurro said.

"She's in Sydney at the moment doing some running.

"She's looking good, and she should be hopefully back playing before November."

Fowler had been in dynamic form for City, scoring 10 goals across all competitions, and underlined her ability with a starring role in Australia's recent international friendlies against South Korea.

"She's a special player and a special player not just for Australia but worldwide," Montemurro said.

"She's that X-factor, and you need those X-factors in these tournaments.

"You need that player to unlock something at times and to have Mary involved will be really good."

Australia will kick off their bid for a second Asian Cup trophy when they host the Philippines in the opening match at Perth's Optus Stadium on March 1.

The Matildas will then play on Iran at Cbus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast on March 5, before facing South Korea at Sydney's Accor Stadium on March 8.

Joanna Guelas - AAP