Secret Matildas star Sam Kerr was keeping from everyone revealed

A major secret Sam Kerr was hoping to keep under wraps has been revealed after the Matildas unveiled their new coach on Monday.

Sam Kerr had been trying to keep it under wraps, but the Matildas skipper’s big secret has been uncovered.

The 31-year-old has suffered a setback on her road to recovery from an ACL injury and has undergone more surgery.

Watch every game of The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup LIVE on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer.

While it’s believed the latest under the knife operation wasn’t related to the torn ACL, the news means football fans will have to wait longer to see her return to the pitch.

On Monday the Matildas unveiled their new coach, Joe Montemurro, following an extensive search after Tony Gustavsson stepped down.

During his introductory press conference however, Montemurro lifted the lid on Kerr’s setback but kept his cards close to the chest on the actual issue.

“Look, I think there was some complications and I’ve only caught up with the scenario in the last 24 hours,” he told 10 News.

“There was a subsequent intervention, but I do believe she is now back running.

“I think it was something completely different (to the existing knee injury). I think the knee is fine.

“I think there was some other issues, but again I’ve only been briefed in the last 24 hours.”

Sam Kerr had to go back under the knife in an injury setback. (Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images)

The news comes after Kerr was spotted in the stands attending the women’s A-League Grand Final in May.

The Matildas captain opted to watch the contest at AAMI Park in Melbourne alongside the Matildas’ chief physiotherapist, instead of supporting her club side Chelsea as they lifted the FA Cup.

While her decision raised eyebrows among fans, Montemurro’s revelation could explain why Kerr was back in Australia.

Joe Montemurro, new Matildas Head Coach is seen during the International Friendly match between Australia Matildas and Argentina at GIO Stadium on June 02, 2025 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

Montemurro said being appointed Matildas coach – at least until the 2028 Olympics – was the “honour of a lifetime”, but leaving French outfit Lyon, one of the world’s most prominent clubs in women’s football, after just one season was “difficult”.

“Lyon’s an amazing club. I had an amazing season there, and obviously the situation was to continue the process, but I assessed a few things,” he said.

“I said to myself, and my wife and family, that this is now an exciting cycle for the Matildas, (with) the Asian Cup, (the 2027) World Cup, (the 2028) Olympic Games, and the opportunity was too good, plus there was something inside of me that was just telling me ‘it’s time’.

“I had to make a hard decision, a very difficult decision, but I believe the decision is the right one.

“This team means so much to so many Australians, and I’m humbled by the opportunity to help shape its next chapter.”

Originally published as Secret Matildas star Sam Kerr was keeping from everyone revealed