Sam Kerr’s surprising move amid Chelsea’s FA Cup triumph raises eyebrows

Sam Kerr has been called out for disrespecting her club side Chelsea as the Matildas superstar remains sidelined with a knee injury.

Sam Kerr has been called out for opting to attend the women’s A-League Grand Final instead of supporting her club side Chelsea as they lifted the FA Cup on Sunday.

Kerr hasn’t played for club or country for 16 months after she tore her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) at a Chelsea training camp at the start of 2024.

Kerr has remained the face of the club, with her face plastered on lots of the club’s advertising around Stamford Bridge and remains part of the club’s long-term plans.

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The English club has stuck by Kerr’s side throughout her recent difficult court case and after securing FA glory Chelsea coach Sonia Bompastor dismissed claims it might be time for the club and Kerr to part ways.

“I was really sad not to have the opportunity to have Sam with us in the squad this season,” said the Frenchwoman, who took over as coach just under a year ago.

“I think she is a great player and we, the player and the club, need to find a way to have her back. She will feel like a new signing for me.

“When we talk about going to these games at the end of the season and to fight for trophies, when you have Sam available or not available it can make a big difference as Sam is a scorer.

 “She was not here (at Wembley) physically, but she was with us mentally.”

Sam Kerr was spotted at the Women's A-League final. Image: Getty

But despite Kerr still being paid her weekly wage by Chelsea, the Matildas captain opted to instead watch Sunday’s A-League Women’s Grand Final at AAMI Park in Melbourne alongside the Matildas’ chief physiotherapist.

While Kerr supported the Australian women’s football league on the other side of the world, Chelsea won the FA Cup final against Manchester United to complete a domestic treble.

Earlier this month Kerr was in London with her American partner Kristie Mewis as they welcomed their first baby, Jagger.

However, Kerr’s decision to fly to Australia last week instead of staying to support Chelsea raised more than a few eyebrows.

“Anyone else finds it odd that Sam Kerr was in Australia this weekend watching Mariners V Melbourne rather than the team Chelsea and fans that have supported her all season,” one fan asked on X alongside footage of her in the stands in Australia.

It is understood Kerr is in Australia to continue her rehabilitation under the watchful eye of Football Australia.

Sam Kerr has been out of action since January 2024. (Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images)

Most of Kerr’s recovery has happened in England with club side Chelsea.

But Kerr came into the Matildas camp in March and April, with Chelsea’s blessing, to continue her rehabilitation Down Under.

Interim coach Tom Sermanni last week said they were working with Chelsea to get Kerr back on the pitch as soon as possible.

“We are constantly in communication and we have a physio in London and he’s doing a significant amount of work, in conjunction with Chelsea, with Sam,” Sermanni said.

“So we are regularly updated and keeping in touch.”

Originally published as Sam Kerr’s surprising move amid Chelsea’s FA Cup triumph raises eyebrows