Sam Kerr joins Chelsea for training camp as Matildas star continues injury recovery

Sam Kerr’s return to football could be sooner than originally thought following an update that’s sure to have caught the attention of Matildas interim coach Tom Sermanni.

Sam Kerr’s return to the pitch could be sooner than expected with the striker travelling to Portugal with WSL club Chelsea for its winter training camp.

It was during the same camp, held in Morocco last year, that Kerr ruptured her ACL ruling her out for all of 2024.

The Matildas captain hasn’t played since, missing Australia’s doomed Paris Olympics campaign.

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Sam Kerr has joined Chelsea’s training camp in Portugal. Picture: Getty Images

At the end of last year Chelsea coach Sonia Bompastor revealed Kerr’s injury wasn’t limited to her ACL and the star wasn’t expected back until February or March.

The 31-year-old has boarded the plane along with her teammates.

Chelsea, sit on top of the WSL ladder, and have a busy month ahead including a UEFA Champions League quarter-final.

Matildas interim coach Tom Sermanni will be keeping a close eye on Kerr’s imminent return with the national team set to take part in the She Believes Cup in the USA in February.

Emily van Egmond has left San Diego after three seasons.

Meanwhile, fellow Matilda Emily van Egmond has announced she won’t be playing with NWSL club Sam Diego Wave this season.

Van Egmond has played at the club for three seasons but the side had a rollercoaster year going through three coaches and missing out on playing in the finals series.

It means fellow Matilda Kaitlyn Torpey will be the only remaining Australian at the club.

“San Diego it’s been a pleasure to represent this club and city for the past three years,” Van Egmond wrote on Instagram.

“It will forever have a special place in my heart and I have loved every moment here.

“To the fans you have made me feel right at home and I wish the club nothing but success for the upcoming season.

“Excited for my next chapter.”

The midfielder didn’t reveal what her next chapter might be but she has previously played for the Newcastle Jets in the A-Leagues Women’s during the NWSL off season.

She also celebrated her wedding last week to San Diego based photographer Kat Thompson.

Originally published as Sam Kerr joins Chelsea for training camp as Matildas star continues injury recovery