Sam Kerr missing from another Matildas squad minus a host of key players

Several of the Matildas key players will miss Australia’s upcoming games against Argentina in Melbourne and Canberra.

Matildas interim coach Tom Sermanni insists Sam Kerr is “tracking pretty well” in her lengthy recovery from a serious knee injury, with the star striker missing from the latest national squad announced on Wednesday.

Sidelined since rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in her knee in January last year, Chelsea attacker Kerr is among a host of high-profile players missing from the 23-strong squad to play Argentina on May 30 (Melbourne) and June 2 (Canberra).

“She’s tracking pretty well, but she’s not quite ready yet to come in and play,” Sermanni said.

Also absent are vice-captain Lyon’s Ellie Carpenter and West Ham’s Katrina Gorry, who have both been granted “personal leave”.

Others out are Manchester City’s Mary Fowler, who suffered a similar injury to Kerr’s last month, goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold (lower leg), attacking midfielder Tameka Yallop (hamstring) and winger Hayley Raso (thigh).

“It (the squad) has been quite significantly hit with injuries and withdrawals, but the upside of that is it gives opportunities for other players,” Sermanni said.

“It’s a fairly mixed squad with a group of our senior international players, but quite a few young players that have been brought into this squad.”

Amy Sayer (centre) will return for the Matildas against Argentina. Picture: William West / AFP

Returning to the squad after a successful recovery from an ACL injury she suffered in May last year is Sweden-based former Sydney FC star Amy Sayer.

The squad also includes uncapped quartet Isabel Gomez (Central Coast Mariners), Kahli Johnson (Calgary Wild), Morgan Aquino (DC Power) and Jada Whyman (AIK FC).

“This squad selection rewards players who have performed well, both here in Australia and overseas,” Sermanni said.

“It’s important we continue to create a competitive environment while also giving opportunities to those who’ve earned their place.

“We continue to build depth and work on strengthening areas of improvement,”

“Every window brings us closer to the (2026 AFC Women’s) Asian Cup, and each match is a chance to improve our identity, develop our playing style further, and build the cohesion we’ll need to be successful next year.”

The two games against Argentina are set to be Sermanni’s final matches in charge before a permanent coach – expected to be Joe Montemurro – takes over ahead of the Matildas’ two matches in Perth next month against Slovenia, which will be followed in July with two more games, also in Western Australia, against Panama.

Matildas: Morgan Aquino, Steph Catley (c), Kyra Cooney-Cross, Leah Davidson, Caitlin Foord, Isabel Gomez, Charlotte Grant, Winonah Heatley, Bryleeh Henry, Michelle Heyman, Clare Hunt, Alanna Kennedy, Kahli Johnson, Holly McNamara, Teagan Micah, Courtney Nevin, Natasha Prior, Jamilla Rankin, Amy Sayer, Kaitlyn Torpey, Emily van Egmond, Clare Wheeler, Jada Whyman.