The silver lining to Sam Kerr’s injury which keeps Olympic gold a reality for the Matildas

Former Matildas defender Emma Checker is backing the national team to win gold at the Olympics without Sam Kerr – if they can solve one problem.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA – OCTOBER 29: Sam Kerr of the Matildas shoots for goal during the AFC Women's Asian Olympic Qualifier match between Philippines and Australia Matildas at Optus Stadium on October 29, 2023 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by James Worsfold/Getty Images)

Former Matildas defender Emma Checker says it will be impossible for the national squad to replace injured striker Sam Kerr but it doesn’t mean they can’t have success at the Paris Olympics.

The Matildas will have to go through their final Olympic qualifiers against Uzbekistan next month without super striker Kerr after she ruptured her ACL in a training camp with English club Chelsea.

An ACL injury takes at least 9-12 months to recover from ruling Kerr out of taking the field during the 2024 Olympics which start in July.

Checker played seven matches for the Matildas, making her debut in 2012 as a 16-year-old.

The 27-year-old now plays for Melbourne Victory in the A-Leagues’ women’s competition.

Talking to this masthead after their 1-1 draw with Perth Glory at the inaugural Unite Round in Sydney, Checker said she was devastated when she heard about Kerr’s injury.

“The reality is there is no replacing someone like her,” Checker said.

The Matildas were forced to do without Sam Kerr in the early stages of the World Cup. Picture: AFP

“It’s about how do you best fill a void, she’s not just a star player but her personality and character within that group is so important. There is one thing I know about Sam is she’ll still bring that regardless of whether she’s on or off the field.

“I think she’s got a huge role to play leading into the Olympic campaign regardless of whether she’s playing or not.

“She’s doing every little last thing she can and that’s the kind of leader she is and why she has made it so far.

“Her leadership qualities go beyond what she can bring on the field.”

The Matildas had to play without Kerr at the FIFA Women’s World Cup when she injured her calf muscle on the eve of their opening match with Ireland.

This time the Matildas and coach Tony Gustavsson have time to prepare.

But Checker said that didn’t necessarily make it easier to solve their biggest problem.

“I do believe they can do it, we have seen it already,” Checker said.

Emma Checker now plays for the Melbourne Victory. Picture: Getty Images

“The hardest void to fill will be that when she’s on the field two players mark her – so how do you work on pulling an extra player out of the space, I don’t know, but thankfully that’s not my job it’s the coach’s.”

Wellington Phoenix defender and Football Ferns stalwart Annalie Longo also had sympathies for Kerr.

Longo, 32, tore ACL in the lead up to the FIFA Women’s World Cup in September 2022 but managed to complete her rehab in 10 months and be fit for the historic tournament.

Annalie Longo of the Phoenix and Football Ferns came back from her own ACL injury. Picture: Getty Images

“It’s devastating,” Longo said.

“You never like to see any player go down and especially a player that is the quality of Sam Kerr.

“We have had two (ACL) injuries in the Phoenix this season and it’s horrible to see. The positive is that girls are coming back. I’ve come back and I’m actually quicker than I was pre-ACL. So there are some positives from it.

“I do wish her the best with her surgery, recovery and rehab and I hope she comes back and we can see her grace the field again.”

Originally published as The silver lining to Sam Kerr’s injury which keeps Olympic gold a reality for the Matildas