Matildas coach Tom Sermanni provides ‘really positive’ update on superstar Sam Kerr

She won’t play for the Matildas on Friday night in the friendly against Argentina, but it’s “really positive” signs for superstar skipper Sam Kerr.

Interim Matildas coach Tom Sermanni says superstar captain Sam Kerr is making “really positive” steps towards her long-awaited return from an ACL injury.

Kerr ruptured her ACL at training in January 2024 and has missed all matches for Chelsea and her country since.

The 31-year-old has been sidelined for 16 months – four more than the typical ACL recovery — and there has been growing concern she might not play until 2026.

But Sermanni said the Matildas medical staff was “heavily involved” in Kerr’s rehab process at Chelsea and all were confident of a looming return.

“It’s actually going really well, we’ve got a full-time physio in London, it’s where all the high-maintenance players are,” he said in Melbourne on Thursday, ahead of Friday’s friendly against Argentina.

“We’re heavily involved with Chelsea and Sam’s rehab and the knee is looking really good.

“From their feedback, I am confident that she’s getting much, much closer than she has been over the past few months. The news there I am getting back is really positive.”

There are ‘really positive’ signs for superstar skipper Sam Kerr. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

The Aussies host the Argentinians in the first of two friendlies at Marvel Stadium on Friday night.

Sermanni expects a competitive touring outfit but will likely use the match to get a glimpse of some future stars as the Matildas continue to build towards the 2026 Asian Cup.

“Hopefully there will be some players in there that haven’t had some game time, perhaps even any game time,” he said.

“It’s always a balance, it’ll be great if we can give more opportunities to more inexperienced players or fringe players, it’s trying to work out the right balance.”

While Kerr and fellow star Mary Fowler are both unavailable due to injury, the Matildas will feature Steph Catley, Caitlin Foord and Kyra Cooney-Cross fresh off their Champions League triumph with Arsenal last weekend.

But while that trio are among a large group of Matildas starring overseas, Sermanni lamented the current state of the A-League women’s competition. He said it lacked professionalism and a real “re-think” was needed after stalled improvement over 17 years of existence.

“I don’t know if there’s a thought process going forward about where they want to take the league or what they want to do. But there’s a huge amount of work that actually needs to be done,” he said.

The Mariners pose after winning the A-League Women's Grand Final in May. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

“It’s even more irritating, when you think how we had the most successful World Cup ever two years ago, and A-League Women are in the situation that they’re in now, it’s just not good enough.

“It’s still very important, and coaches, staffs and players are doing exceptionally well. But the league itself is in need of significant improvement in its professionalism.”

Originally published as Matildas coach Tom Sermanni provides ‘really positive’ update on superstar Sam Kerr