Philippines midfielder Jaclyn Sawicki (4) looks to control the ball against Australia in their ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Women's Championship match in Manila on July 4, 2022. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News/file photo
After sitting out their match against South Korea, Jaclyn Sawicki may be returning for the Philippine Women's National Football Team in their final Group A match in the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup.
The Filipinas saw a few changes in their starting XI on Thursday, as Isabella Pasion took the place of Sawicki, who was listed as 'not playing' in the match.
Arianna Markey also came in place of Alexa Pino in the starting XI against the formidable South Korean squad.
In the post-match press conference, Filipinas head coach Mark Torcaso shared the reason why Sawicki was not listed as a substitute on the bench.
"Yeah, Jackie got a little knock in training yesterday. She'll be okay for the next game. She probably could have gotten close to playing this one, but we also have to consider that if we want to get out of the group, we need to have Jackie at her best," he explained.
READ: Football: Filipinas absorb 0-3 loss at hands of South Korea in Asian Cup
"And it was probably just not in the best for her to play this game. But she's going to be 100 percent ready for the next game," Torcaso added.
The Filipinas head coach lauded Pasion for stepping in for Sawicki in the match.
"Obviously, they're big shoes to fill because Jackie is a very important player for us. But, you know, Bella pushed really hard. And I think in the second half, we got to see Jourdyn Curran and first what she's about. She's a new player to us as well. So they both, you know, did a really good job," he said.
With Sawicki getting rest, Torcaso is optimistic she can return in their crucial clash against Iran on Sunday, March 8.
READ: Football: Gritty Filipinas fall to Australia in Women's Asian Cup opener
"Obviously, Jackie is a very experienced player and a very important player to our group. But we'll definitely be seeing Jackie back in the next game. Just more precautionary, probably with her," he said.
The Filipinas absorbed their second straight loss, this time going 0-3 against South Korea on Thursday.
Despite the defeat, Torcaso highlighted anew the fighting spirit of the team against the Taeguk Ladie
"We don't like to lose. But the character of our players always shines. And the character of our young players definitely comes on and show the exuberance and the excitement that we need. And that's backed up by our experienced players," he said.
"And while, again, it's not the result that we wanted, we want to obviously be closer and closer to the best teams. It's also a very good experience and learning for all our players, young and experienced," Torcaso added.
The Filipinas enter a dire situation against Iran, where a positive result would put them on the path to qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup and the quarterfinals of the AFC Women's Asian Cup.