Extent of Sam Kerr’s calf injury could spell the end of her World Cup campaign for the Matildas, but she’s staying positive

After a bombshell withdrawal from the opening game, it’s the question on every Matildas fans’ lips. When will Sam Kerr be back? The woman herself has revealed a clue.

A leading physiotherapist says if Matildas’ captain Sam Kerr’s injury is more than a calf strain her World Cup campaign could be over before it even started.

Kerr announced on social media that she would miss their opening game against Ireland moments before it was due to kick off with the Matildas camp confirming she would also miss the second match against Nigeria on Thursday.

Respected physiotherapist Brien Seeney said it was hard to comment without seeing the scans of Kerr’s calf or knowing the full extent of the injury – but said if it was a tear Kerr’s campaign was over.

“The majority of minor calf strains can recover in three to four weeks if it is managed well,” Seeney, who manages the NRL Physiotherapist social media pages, said.

“If it is a partial tear you can pretty much rule her out for the World Cup and a moderate strain would be really tough to come back from, with recovery being more like four to six weeks.”

Kerr watched the Matildas’ first game of the World Cup off the bench. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

The worst case scenario is structural damage.

“If it’s a recurring injury and she has seen some structural damage that would usually extend her recovery time by a week or two,” Seeney said.

“The biggest thing with calf injuries is that they are known for niggling symptoms and longer recovery times.

“With a calf you can kind of get to a point where you are 90 per cent good, you are feeling really great in rehab and then you try and hit those top level, push off acceleration kind of things, where the calf is under the most pressure and you can still have tightness and pain.

Unlike a knee injury calf strains and tears can only do so much damage and Seeney said they were rarely career ending.

Ok so a quick Sam Kerr thread with the Matildas (rightfully) playing cards close to their chest.

Kerr has a calf injury that will see her miss at least 2 games, but will be reassessed after this (day 8 post injury). Their next game after that being day 12 post injury #FIFAWWCpic.twitter.com/lIcjyXGbu6

— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) July 21, 2023

Seeney said if the damage was minor it was worth playing Kerr in a crucial match.

“It would be devastating for her as an athlete to miss two to three months but at the end of the day it’s a World Cup – they are going to do everything that they possibly can to get her out there and probably take more risks than they would under normal circumstances,” he said.

Coach Tony Gustavsson kept the extent of the injury a secret – just as he did Kerr’s actual injury in the 24 hours leading up to the game.

“I want to ask from understanding on that considering it’s a World Cup, and I want to respect you guys and want that trust and to be honest about things, but at that time – we knew she wouldn’t play – but we didn’t know what it was and we were looking for answers,” Gustavsson said.

“I hope you respect and understand that when I sat here yesterday I couldn’t speak openly about it.

“At that point in time we didn’t know 100 per cent what it was, we were waiting for results of the scans.

“Sam is a massive part of Ireland’s game plan as you can understand, and we didn’t want to give that away in advance, but once we got to the stadium we didn’t play any type of mind games, we were honest in the team sheet, she wasn’t in the starting line-up, and we announced the news she is injured and can’t play.

“We waited for the last second to come to the stadium to not give away too much.”

Kerr’s injury was touch and go prior to kick-off. Picture: AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts

Kerr flew back to Brisbane on Friday where she was confronted by Channel 10 cameras and asked bluntly: is your World Cup over?

“Definitely not,” Kerr said.

Will we see you for the Canada game?

“Of course I will be there,” she replied.

Mike Conway, a leadership and mindset coach who helped the Socceroos prepare for the 2022 Qatar World Cup, said the Matildas were professional athletes and were well equipped to deal with the injury blow and loss of their captain.

Conway said a similar knock-back happened to the Socceroos on the eve of their campaign with key player Martin Boyle ruled out with a knee injury.

“It was a real disappointment, he was so significant for us and was also bit of a talisman and a real character and suddenly he can’t play,” Conway said.

“We had planned for Martin to be there but you move on and that’s down to leadership … we move on and we find a plan B.”

Conway said every Matildas player would have had a slightly different approach to dealing with the news but the team cohesion and strong leadership would have refocused them quickly.

“If you’ve got the right people around you and the right teammates, or attitude then it doesn’t translate into anxiety or nerves,” Conway said.

While not wanting to read Kerr’s mind Conway said from his experience any player would be feeling disappointed at missing a home World Cup.

“As long as there is clarity about what happens next, that’s when you’re okay,” Conway said.

“She will already know how to overcome disappointment and have learnt to move on quickly. Her focus is going to be about getting ready for when she can play next.”