Sam Kerr joined in full training with the Matildas ahead of World Cup quarter-final

Sam Kerr did more at training on Wednesday than she had before amid speculation the Matildas captain will start in the World Cup quarter-final.

Sam Kerr trained normally with the Matildas on Wednesday. Picture: Adam Head

The Matildas are “more than capable” of winning the FIFA Women’s World Cup without a major contribution from superstar striker Sam Kerr. according to veteran midfielder Tameka Yallop.

Kerr was among only a dozen Matildas players who trained at the squad’s Brisbane base on Wednesday less than 48 hours after making her World Cup entrance as debate rages about her place in the starting team.

Australia’s squad was split into two, with the starting team from Monday night’s 2-0 win over Denmark at a separate recovery venue ahead of Saturday’s knockout quarter-final against France.

Kerr, who looked lively in her first minutes off the bench for the tournament having overcome a calf injury, and the rest of the players who played reduced minutes or sat on the bench against the Danes were put through their paces at the Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre.

The Matildas captain played for the final 10 minutes as well as stoppage time in a positive sign she has overcome her injury. She was in boots on Wednesday and didn’t have her injured calf strapped.

Sam Kerr trains at Queensland Sports and Athletic Centre ahead of Australia’s World Cup quarter-final game against France in Brisbane. Picture: Adam Head

She went through a host of stretches with the other players and didn’t seem in any discomfort.

The success of the Matildas without Kerr in the staring line-up has posed questions about whether coach Tony Gustavsson should make any changes to his starting line-up for the clash with Les Bleues.

Yallop, who also tasted her first action of the tournament on Monday night as a late substitute, said the “whole team” was keen for Kerr be given “more minutes” against the French.

“It’s always great to see her out on the field,” Yallop said.

“I don’t think she needs any confidence boosting. She knows her abilities and she always brings them when she comes out on to the field.”

However, Yallop stressed there was more to the Matildas than just Kerr.

“In the past there have been times she’s not even been in camp, and we’ve coped. We’ve got, world-class players that have stepped up every time,” the former Brisbane Roar and Melbourne City star said.

“For us, I don’t think it (Kerr’s absence) was a major shock that the press was going on about because we know how capable we are. We know the talent that we have.

“The shock was more on a personal level. You know how hard she’s worked to be here and how focused she is, so on the field we’re more than capable (without her), and off the field, she has been a great support for us and we have for her.

“We’ve got 23 quality players and anyone who’s out on the field is there because they deserve to be there.”

France expects Kerr to start. Picture: Adam Head

Kerr played in the pre-World Cup friendly against France on the eve of the tournament which Australia won 1-0 and French midfielder Kenza Dali thinks the Australian captain will be the starting team.

“I think she’s a great player and I hope for her, she’s going to play,” Dali said after France set up the quarter-final clash with a 4-0 win over Morocco on Tuesday night.

“It must have been really sad and frustrating for her to watch from the side.

“I do believe she’s prepared herself for us and she’s going to be there, I’m a hundred per cent sure.”

Matildas forward Kyah Simon, who carried a knee injury in to the tournament and is yet to play, was also part of the training group at QSAC.

Originally published as Sam Kerr joined in full training with the Matildas ahead of World Cup quarter-final