Sam Kerr could still be on the way to Paris and in the Matildas’ squad thanks to loophole

Matildas injured superstar Sam Kerr could be on her way to the Paris Games despite being unlikely to take the field. MATT LOGUE and ERIN SMITH discover the loophole to get her there.

Matilda’s superstar Sam Kerr is long odds to play at the Paris Olympics, but her teammates are expecting the injured striker to play a vital off-field role at this year’s Games.

Olympic hopeful and Canberra United forward Michelle Heyman has revealed Kerr is likely to travel to France as the team’s ultimate mentor, despite her season-ending ACL injury.

Heyman says the Chelsea gun is already helping her Matildas teammates from afar via zoom and phone calls – and pending approval – wants to continue her influence at the Paris Games.

It’s understood the Matildas’ star could play a similar off the field role to forward Kyah Simon at last year’s World Cup. Simon was selected in the squad despite sporting an injury. A setback in camp with her ACL recovery and a calf injury relegated her to an off-field mentor role to finish the Cup.

The Olympic squad can only feature 18 players though, not 23 like the World Cup.

Sam Kerr could still head to Paris. Picture David Clark

But a loophole could open the door for Kerr to be named in the team.

Football Australia is able to nominate four alternate players - who are not part of the team, but can be used as replacement players if any of the 18-woman squad are ruled out of the Games.

It means there are two potential paths for Football Australia to get Kerr on the plane.

The first is to name her in the squad of 18 - rule her unfit and swap her out with one of the AP athletes.

Or name her as an AP athlete.

A Football Australia spokeswoman said there had been no discussion at this stage about a mentor travelling with the team as all focus was on team selection.

Heyman believes Kerr could have a similar impact as Simon on the Matildas as a respected voice within the Australian team in Paris.

Michelle Heyman could fill the void left by the injured Kerr. Picture: Getty Images

“I think she will probably come over (to Paris) to support us,” Heyman said.

“She is always going to be a big part of the team, no matter what.

“Everyone is always thinking about her. She is best friends with half the team.”

“For herself, it’s about getting her rehab done properly.

“We don’t want to see her sitting out longer than she has to.”

Heyman is yet to book her ticket to Paris with the Matildas, but she is putting in hours of preparation in a bid to make the final 18-player squad.

She revealed she will train at the AIS in Canberra post the A League’s women’s season with United, while she is considering playing against men to hone her skills and fitness in the lead up to Paris.

How will the Matildas go in Paris? Picture: Getty Images

“We’re putting a plan together with the Matildas to make sure my training is going to be up to standard,” she said.

“It’s awesome support from the AIS and I feel honoured and lucky to have that.

“Hopefully I’ll also be doing some football with some of the men’s teams within Canberra as well.”

The Matildas captivated the nation at last year’s World Cup and Heyman would love to play at the Paris Olympics to further push the team’s growing brand.

She is also confident the Australian women can continue their winning ways in France.

“We’re just going to go out there and continue to play good football and win games,” she said.

“We want to make sure we are doing everything we can to be as successful as possible at the Olympics to come home with something shiny.”

Originally published as Sam Kerr could still be on the way to Paris and in the Matildas’ squad thanks to loophole