Matildas skipper Sam Kerr no certainty to play against England after missing Australia’s loss to Scotland
Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson is looking at the ‘bigger picture’ rather than risk using superstar Sam Kerr.
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Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson has played predictable mind games about the fitness of star striker Sam Kerr ahead of Australia’s clash with England in London on Wednesday morning.
Kerr didn’t play in the Matildas’ 1-0 loss to. Scotland on Friday. with Gustavsson not revealing the Chelsea forward’s injury.
Not for the first time during his tenure as Matildas coach did Gustavsson refuse to give details about players’ injuries and availability for matches.
“I can’t comment on that,” Gustavsson said when asked if Kerr was injured.
“I’ll keep that close to my chest as of now. I’ll pass on that one.”
Gustavsson said he and Kerr had “agreed” that it was “best for her” not to play against Scotland.
“She’s come in from an extremely tough game environment with her club, with back-to-back games every week for almost two months.
“It’s about the bigger picture. if it was me 15 years ago as coach – young, inexperienced and think the short term result is what matters – I probably would have played her (against Scotland) and risked the big picture,
“But now with a little bit more experience, and with a little bit of ease and calm, I understand it’s a bigger picture.
“It doesn’t mean that I don’t want to win, but I don’t want to win at the expense of sacrificing key players, risking their health.”
Gustavsson said Kerr would want to play against England.
“If I’m guessing today, I’m guessing she will be available but that’s just speculation ... but II know she would love to play,” he said.
The Matildas’ loss to Scotland ended a winning run of seven matches for the Australians.
“As a coach you’re never better than your last game, so right now I’m probably a s*** coach,” Gustavsson said.
“(But) these two years I’ve learnt a lot about the players. One of the reasons we’ve had that progression is I’ve learnt more how to use them and built off an identity they already have.”
Veteran Matildas defender Clare Polkinghorne said playing against the physical Scotland was a good preparation for Australia’s battle with England.
“They do play very similar so it’s a good test run for us and we can go back and watch the video and see where we need to improve, and things to tighten up going into the (England) game because it’s going to be a big challenge for us,” Polkinghorne said.
Originally published as Matildas skipper Sam Kerr no certainty to play against England after missing Australia’s loss to Scotland
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