Sam Kerr returns to Matildas camp to continue recovery from recent surgery

Sam Kerr has made a surprise return to the Matildas camp as the Joe Montemurro era gets underway in the Chelsea superstar’s home city of Perth.

She isn’t part of the official squad but Sam Kerr is in Perth training with the Matildas.

The 31-year-old striker hasn’t played football since rupturing her ACL in January 2024.

New Australian women’s national coach Joe Montemurro revealed earlier this month that Kerr had to have a second surgery and that her rehab was taking longer than first expected.

The Chelsea player is in a race against the clock to be fit in time for the 2026 Asian Cup which kicks off on March 1 in Australia.

Social media posts by Kerr reveal she is in Perth training alongside the Matildas with permission from Chelsea.

It is understood Kerr is continuing her rehab with Football Australia’s performance support staff as part of her return to play program, while she is in Australia.

Sam Kerr celebrates a goal for the Matildas.

Sam Kerr has returned to the Matildas camp in Perth. Picture: Instagram

She will not be playing in any of the Matildas upcoming games against Slovenia or Panama in Perth.

Kerr will undertake a range of training including individual sessions and with the larger playing group.

She joined the Matildas for the March 31-April 8 window – taking part in team sessions but not featuring in the match day squads for the games against South Korea.

At the time, interim Matildas coach Tom Sermanni and players said it had been a good boost to have Kerr back among the team.

Originally published as Sam Kerr returns to Matildas camp to continue recovery from recent surgery