Chelsea coach confirms Sam Kerr’s return from injury has been delayed in a massive blow to the Matildas

The Matildas’ Asian Cup preparations could be thrown into disarray in the knowledge super star Sam Kerr’s return to the pitch is still unknown.

Matildas’ super striker Sam Kerr’s return to the pitch is still weeks away according to her Chelsea coach and it could have a huge impact on the team’s Asian Cup preparation.

Kerr hasn’t played football for club or country since rupturing her ACL in January 2024.

The 31-year-old was flown from England to Australia to join the Matildas in their recent camp – hinting that a return was edging closer.

Chelsea’s women’s football head coach Sonia Bompastor fronted the media at the weekend.

Sam Kerr with the Matildas during a recent training camp. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

“We’re still a few weeks away from Sam returning fully on the pitch, it’s difficult to put a time frame on it,” Bompastor said.

Chelsea’s WSL season finishes on May 10 – leaving just four games.

They are also still in the running for the FA Cup, which concludes on May 18, and Champions League.

Having had zero match minutes over the past 15 months it is highly unlikely Kerr’s return will be made during a high pressure match such as Champions League – although she has been included in the extended squad.

Sam Kerr doing light training with Chelsea in March. Picture: Harriet Lander – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images

Chelsea women’s football manager Sonia Bompastor. Picture: Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images

While in camp with Matildas Kerr, in the short time frame media are permitted to watch the training sessions, didn’t train with the main group. Instead doing her own separate program.

The Matildas have just five international windows left before the Asian Cup is played on our shores.

Lack of match minutes makes it very unlikely Kerr will be available for the two-match series against Argentina on May 30 and June 2.

Code Sports revealed this week that interim Matildas coach Tom Sermanni would still be in charge for the Argentina series.

Interim Matildas’ Head Coach, Tom Sermanni looks on during the International Friendly against Korea Republic. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

With the new coach to likely be in place for the June/July window.

But even that could be a push for Kerr given the WSL season will have finished and she still might not have played a game of football for nearing on 18 months.

After the June/July window the Matildas won’t meet again until October – a month after the WSL season kicks off.

Injured Hayley Raso and Sam Kerr wave to fans after watching the Matildas’ win over Korea Republic from the sidelines. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

Which means she will have just four or possibly even three windows to work with the new coach and players who have joined the team in her absence.

There has been lots of debate about whether Kerr should keep the captaincy role at the Matildas but her ability to get on the field should really be the more pressing issue.

Kerr is a once in a generation talent that can’t simply be replaced.

If she isn’t in peak form come next year’s Asian Cup than the Matildas chances of lifting their first trophy in 16 years will certainly shrink.

Bompastor said Kerr was working hard to return to the field and said the chance to be back in the national team set up had been a boost.

“It was really important for her,” Bompastor said.

“First of all, mentally, because she had the chance to be around the national team, which is really important for her, and also she could see her family, which is really nice to have the opportunity to do.”

Originally published as Chelsea coach confirms Sam Kerr’s return from injury has been delayed in a massive blow to the Matildas