FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023: Australia v Canada teams, Sam Kerr fitness

Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson is facing the single most challenging decision of his tenure – and, with Sam Kerr, he has only one choice to make, writes Robbie Slater.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA – JULY 29: Sam Kerr speaks to the media during an Australian Matildas media opportunity in the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 at Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre on July 29, 2023 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Now that Sam Kerr has declared she’s available for selection, the Matildas captain must start – not be held back for a second-half cameo – against Canada in Australia’s do-or-die FIFA Women’s World Cup battle on Monday night.

While it’s hard to imagine that Kerr’s injured calf is fully recovered after she, at the very least, strained it less than two weeks ago, if she says she is fit then there’s no use in delaying her comeback any further.

Starting her on the bench in Melbourne and bringing her on, a likely substitution scenario should the Matildas be in desperate need of a goal in the second half, would be another mistake from coach Tony Gustavsson.

Instead, Kerr should play from the opening whistle. Apart from her goalscoring ability, the Chelsea striker also brings Caitlin Foord into the game with her runs.

The Kerr-Foord partnership was one that was highly touted before the start of the tournament, and represents Australia’s best chance of getting on the front foot early, and hopefully scoring, against the Tokyo Olympics gold medallists.

Sam Kerr has missed Australia’s opening two fixtures with a calf injury. Picture: Getty

It’s got to the stage where a presumably fit Kerr just has to play. It’s now or never for the Matildas.

Kerr’s inclusion should come at the expense of the unlucky Emily van Egmond, who scored in Australia’s 3-2 loss to Nigeria last Thursday.

However, van Egmond missing out on the starting team will at least give the Matildas a bit more depth and strength off the bench, which has been sadly lacking so far in this tournament.

The expected return of young Mary Fowler from concussion will also give the Aussies another attacking option if it’s needed.

Elsewhere, veteran Clare Polkinghorne could replace Alanna Kennedy in the heart of the Matildas’ defence.

Kennedy didn’t have her best night against Nigeria, despite her stoppage-time consolation goal, and with the short turnaround between games, she needs a break.

Clare Polkinghorne could slot into the Australian starting line-up. Picture: Adam Head

The wide positions are also up for grabs, with four contenders – Hayley Raso, Cortnee Vine, Tameka Yallop, who has watched both of Australia’s matches from the bench, and the versatile Alex Chidiac ­– battling for two spots.

Regardless of who plays for the Australians, the objective is clear – win the game.

It doesn’t have to be pretty. The Matildas just need to pick up three points and avoid the disaster of failing to reach the tournament’s knockout stages.

That’s the bare minimum expected from a host nation.

A round-of-16 elimination would also be barely acceptable such was the pre-tournament hype surrounding the Matildas.

However, if the Australians fail to even get that far, it would be embarrassing and humiliating, and a huge blow in terms of interest the non-football public would have in the remainder of the World Cup.

A group-stage exit would also lead to the end of the Gustavsson reign.

Originally published as FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023: Australia v Canada teams, Sam Kerr fitness