Update on Sam Kerr injury as Matildas squad is named

Kerr’s coach has given an update on Kerr’s injury, and it’s not what Matildas’ fans want to hear.

Sam Kerr is unlikely to return to football this year, Matildas interim coach Tom Sermanni has revealed.

An expanded Australian squad for four home friendly matches starting later this month was released this week, with Kerr, 31, a notable omission.

The Chelsea striker badly injured her knee in January. There was some hope she would return this year, but she wasn’t one of the 36 players named on Friday.

Kerr’s rehab was “coming along well” her coach said.

Tom Sermanni, Interim Head Coach of Australia. Picture: Alex Grimm/Getty Images

“Her rehab is going really well,” Sermanni said, adding that ACL injuries typically take at least a full year to heal.

“Things are getting a little bit better in rehab, but in reality, it’s still probably a 12-month injury, and Sam’s taking that time to come back to ensure that hopefully, when she comes back, she’s going to be completely fit and healthy.”

However, in September Kerr said on a BBC podcast that she had a “little bit more going on than an ACL”.

Sermanni said he was not aware of any other issues.

Sam Kerr will not return to football this year. Picture: AFP

“Absolutely not. If you’ve heard that, you’re telling me something I’ve not heard,” he said.

Several of Kerr’s other Matildas teammates have returned from the same injury in a shorter 9-10 months time frame, like defender Ellie Carpenter.

But after missing the Olympics and with no major international tournament on the line Kerr is taking time to ensure her body is properly ready before making her comeback.

It’s a process Sermanni confirmed and supported in the lead-up to the last international window.

Originally published as Update on Sam Kerr injury as Matildas squad is named