Football enthusiasts are feeling disheartened after Chelsea FC’s coach provided an important update regarding the return of Sam Kerr to the field. Spoiler alert: the news isn't promising because I’m extremely eager!
In case you missed it, Sam Kerr has been absent from the pitch since January 2024 due to a severe anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury she sustained during a Women’s Super League leaders’ training session in Morocco.
Post-injury, the Matildas captain has undergone surgery and has been diligently working towards a complete recovery.
Consequently, Kerr has been absent from both Chelsea and Matildas matches. There was a glimmer of hope that she might return for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, but the cherished Aussie sports icon remains in recovery.
Regrettably, it seems that Kerr will not be returning to the field until 2025.
During a press conference on Saturday (local time), Chelsea FC coach Sonia Bompastor conveyed that Kerr will not be returning in 2024, noting that she hasn’t even resumed training with the team as she remains on a specialized recovery regimen.
“I would say Sam we are looking to maybe have back with us February, March, not before that,” Bompastor revealed, according to news.com.au.
“She hasn’t started training, even in a modified form with the group, so she’s still undergoing her individual rehab process, and I think it will take at least two or three more months for her to be fit enough to rejoin the squad.”
There is a possibility that fans might see Kerr before the season concludes in May, but at this stage, I believe the top scorer deserves all the rest she can get!
When will Sam Kerr return to the Matildas?
Regarding Matildas coach Tom Sermanni, he mentioned that Kerr’s rehabilitation “is going really well”, reassuring that ACL injuries typically require a full year for complete recovery.
“Things are progressing well in rehab, but realistically, it’s still probably a 12-month injury, and Sam’s taking that time to return to ensure that hopefully, when she comes back, she’ll be completely fit and healthy,” he stated last month.
After a remarkable 6 – 0 victory over Taiwan last week, Matildas midfielder Tameka Yallop described Kerr’s injury as a “challenging situation”.
“Everyone empathizes with Sam and we are all here supporting her through her recovery, and it’s vital for her to be 100 per cent before she returns,” Yallop said, according to 7News.
“We want her for the long term, not just a quick return.
“We are supporting her through this, and she remains a crucial part of the team.”
On a brighter note, Sam Kerr recently announced that she and fiancée Kristie Mewis are expecting a little one in 2025!
The baby news is DEFINITELY the ray of sunshine we need during this cloudy, gloomy time without Kerr.
Also, I totally forgot it’s literally December 2024, so I guess it won’t be long. But honestly, it feels like ages.
