Training photos cast fresh doubt on Sam Kerr’s injury status

Just as the country was feeling confident about Sam Kerr’s World Cup status, new photos have emerged from Matildas training.

Just when we thought we knew the status of Sam Kerr and the country’s highest profile calf muscle, fresh doubt has been cast over her fitness.

The intrigue over Kerr’s fitness has been at boiling point ever since she was ruled out of the Matildas’ opening World Cup clash with Ireland an hour before kick-off back on July 20.

Australia’s best and highest-profile player, Kerr has long been considered critical to the country’s World Cup hopes, although the side has made the round of 16 without the Chelsea star stepping foot on the pitch.

While Kerr, coach Tony Gustavsson and all associated with the squad have talked confidently of the striker facing Denmark in Monday’s huge knockout clash, helicopter footage obtained by News Corp shows her still sitting out the majority of training.

Mystery continues to surround the fitness status of Matildas superstar Sam Kerr. Photo: David Clark

Calf muscle injuries can be among the more difficult soft-tissue injuries to recover from, typically taking at least four weeks depending on if it is a strain or a tear.

Gustavsson has played ducks and drakes over the full severity of Kerr’s injury, maintaining he doesn’t want to give any opposition side an advantage.

Former Socceroo Robbie Slater hammered the handling of Kerr’s injury late last month, repeating a whisper that Kerr may not feature in the tournament at all due to the injury.

She had been tipped to take part in some of the Matildas’ final group game against Canada, but ultimately wasn’t needed in the 4-0 victory, giving the striker an extra week of recovery time.

Kerr (centre) has barely participated in any training session since her injury was first reported. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

The 29-year-old has been pictured on an exercise bike at training in recent days and Gustavsson was asked about the footage that had been obtained in training.

While he understood the interest and recognised the creativity in obtaining the footage, he hoped it would not be used against the host nation in the clash with the Danes.

“You need to respect that there are people out there trying to be creative and get insight to things and want to follow the team in every sense they can,” he said.

“I also hope that the people that potentially capture something show respect to the team and to the fans because I think our fans probably don’t want to have anything revealed that can hurt our performance for tomorrow.

“Whoever captured that, I hope respect our will and the fans will in that sense.”

"I will play" 🙌

Sam Kerr confirms she will make her return on Monday night! 🙏#9WWOS#FIFAWWC#Soccer#Matildaspic.twitter.com/eagGMBVcic

— Wide World of Sports (@wwos) August 5, 2023

At Tillies training this morning!

👀 Kyah Simon spent some time with the main group - first time I’ve seen that this #FIFAWWC

Sam Kerr on the bike (day off legs) - we shall see what happens there.

Cortnee Vine and Teagan Micah sitting out, load management cited. @AAPSportpic.twitter.com/CvEF0nUCoY

— Anna Harrington (@AnnaHarrington) August 6, 2023

Asked directly about Kerr’s fitness, Gustavsson added: “We had a nice moment as a team yesterday to see her back with the boots on and touching the ball and be with the team in training.

“It was a very good feeling for her and a very good feeling for the players and the teammates and a very good feeling for me. Today she was off feet … she’s also a player we’ll talk about tonight, about how many minutes is suitable.”

Arriving with the team into Sydney Airport on Saturday, Kerr gave a couple of quick responses to questions about her status.

“Yeah I’m really excited,” she said, showing anything but excitement.

“I will play, yep.”

Australia takes on Denmark at 8:30pm AEST on Monday, with a place in the World Cup quarter-finals on the line.