Former Matildas captain Sam Kerr is edging closer to a return to competitive football after being named in Chelsea’s squad for the upcoming UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-finals.
It is the first time the Australian striker has been included in a matchday squad since rupturing her ACL in January 2024 during a Chelsea training session.
However Chelsea head coach Sonia Bompastor acknowledged that Kerr’s return to the pitch remains uncertain.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference, she said, ‘For Sam, we will see. She is progressing really well in her rehab, but I just want her to feel like the main focus for her will be to work really hard, be the best version of herself.’
The 31-year-old has not played since December 2023 and underwent surgery on her knee earlier this year.
Former Chelsea manager Emma Hayes previously described the injury as the result of a ‘simple and innocuous’ movement during training.
Former Matildas skipper Sam Kerr is eyeing off a return to the national side for the first time since 2023
It will be a big year for Kerr, who is set to marry fiancee Kristie Mewis while the couple are also expecting their first child
Kerr’s return comes after she was found not guilty of racially harrassing a London police officer
Kerr has been training with the squad in recent weeks, with glimpses of her recovery shared on social media.
While she has been named in Chelsea’s 25-woman squad for the Champions League quarter-finals, she is not expected to feature in the first leg against Manchester City.
However, her selection suggests she may be in contention for a return later in the tournament.
The Australian national team will also be monitoring her progress closely, with interim coach Tom Sermanni preparing for the Matildas’ two-match series against South Korea in April.
Chelsea’s upcoming schedule is packed, with four crucial matches against Manchester City in both the League Cup final and the Champions League.
‘We know it is not possible for all the players to play four 90-minute matches, so this is where we need to be prepared to rotate the squad,’ Bompastor said.
Despite her long-term injury, Kerr remains a key figure for Chelsea.
She has scored 95 goals in 122 appearances for the club, helping them to five Women’s Super League titles.
It has been a long comeback for Kerr who ruptured her ACL in January in 2024 at a training camp
Millie Bright and Sam Kerr share a smile at a recent Chelsea training session ahead of a month of huge clashes
Bompastor stressed the importance of easing her back into the team, saying, ‘I just want to make it clear I think it is not really fair to expect from a player who has been injured for now 15 months to be the hero in the team.
‘I think we have the squad to be able to be successful for the end of the season.’
Kerr’s return to the spotlight comes after she was recently found not guilty of racially aggravated harassment of a UK police officer.
The Matildas star maintained that she had never intended to insult or harm anyone with her words.
‘Following today’s not guilty verdict, I can finally put this challenging period behind me,’ she said in a statement after the court case.
‘While I apologise for expressing myself poorly on what was a traumatic evening, I have always maintained that I did not intend to insult or harm anyone, and I am thankful that the jury unanimously agreed.’
She also expressed gratitude to her supporters, saying, ‘I would like to thank my partner Kristie, my family, friends, and all the fans for their love and support, especially those who attended court each day.’
Sermanni confirmed he had been in touch with Kerr via text since her trial ended, ensuring she remains focused on her rehabilitation and eventual return to competitive football.
Interim Matildas coach Tom Sermanni has not made a final call on whether Kerr will retain the captaincy when she returns
Kerr could be set to play two crucial matches against Matildas teammate Mary Fowler
If Kerr is able to return to action this month, she could face off against Matildas teammate Mary Fowler, who plays for Manchester City.
Their clubs are set to clash in both the League Cup final and the Champions League, adding another layer of intrigue to Kerr’s potential comeback.
Off the field, Kerr and her fiancée Kristie Mewis are preparing for a major life change.
The couple announced in November that they are expecting a baby later this year. During her trial, Kerr revealed they are expecting a baby boy and had planned to get married in December.
Leave a Reply