Sam Kerr, the renowned Australian Matildas forward, is progressing towards her long-awaited return to competitive football. Kerr, who has been absent from the pitch for the past year due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury, has joined Chelsea’s mid-winter training camp in Portugal. This step has ignited speculation and excitement among fans who are eager to see her back in action.
Kerr has not participated in any match for Chelsea since sustaining the injury during a similar training camp in Morocco in January of the previous year. Chelsea’s head coach predicted her return to play could occur in February or March. However, her involvement in the current training camp has raised hopes that Kerr might make her comeback earlier than anticipated.
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding her recovery, Chelsea officials have clarified that Kerr and fellow striker Mia Fishel, who is also recovering from an ACL injury, will follow personalized rehabilitation programs separate from the main squad. Kerr emphasized her commitment to ensuring her fitness is fully restored before rejoining competitive matches.
While interim Matildas coach Tom Sermanni is likely to welcome Kerr’s progress, it is deemed unlikely that she will be ready in time for February’s SheBelieves Cup in the USA. Chelsea, performing exceptionally well in her absence, remains unbeaten this season, having won 15 of their 16 matches and leading the Women’s Super League. They’ve also secured a spot in the Women’s Champions League quarterfinals.
Kerr was recently seen in a group photograph with her prominent Chelsea teammates, dubbed the “Fantastic Four,” which included Millie Bright, Erin Cuthbert, and Guro Reiten. This image, shared on the club’s official social media platforms, brought further joy to supporters.
Following the Portugal training camp, Chelsea will resume their Women’s FA Cup defense with a match against Charlton at their Kingsmeadow ground on January 12.
