Matildas star Sam Kerr ruled out of friendlies against Canada as injury list grows

The Matildas have copped another injury blow ahead of their final matches of 2023 with star striker Sam Kerr ruled out.

Sam Kerr will miss Australia’s final two matches for the year. Picture: Getty Images

The Matildas will be without Sam Kerr for their final matches of the year after the star striker was ruled out through injury.

Kerr, who scored a goal in Chelsea’s 5-2 win over Leicester at the weekend, is set to undergo treatment for a foot injury and miss the two-game series against Canada starting on Saturday (AEDT).

Young Paris FC midfielder Sarah Hunter has been called in as Kerr’s replacement and is in line to make her senior debut for the Matildas.

Sam Kerr will miss the Matildas’ final two matches of the year. Picture: Getty Images

Coach Tony Gustavsson has already had to deal with the injury withdrawals of goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold, defender Charlotte Grant and attacker Holly McNamara.

Jada Whyman, Alex Chidiac and Remy Siemsen have been called up in their place.

It’s not the only drama to hit the Matildas camp ahead of the Canada clashes. Gustavsson moved to reaffirm his commitment to Australia’s Paris Olympic Games campaign following speculation he has interviewed for Sweden’s men’s team head coaching position.

“I’m passionate about the CommBank Matildas and, as I have stated before, I’m fully focused on qualification and participation at the Paris 2024 Olympics,” Gustavsson said in a statement at the weekend.

“Our team’s journey towards this goal is my primary focus and commitment.”

The Matildas play Canada in Langford on Saturday at 2.30pm (AEDT) and then in Vancouver on Tuesday, December 5 at 7pm (AEDT).

Originally published as Matildas star Sam Kerr ruled out of friendlies against Canada as injury list grows