Matildas captain Sam Kerr again restricted to viewing role as the rest of Australia’s squad train

As the Matildas continue to prepare for Thursday night’s clash with Nigeria, injured captain Sam Kerr can only look on from the sideline.

Sam Kerr was seen with her ankle strapped at Matilda's training on Monday.

Captain Sam Kerr was again reduced to a spectator’s role at Matildas training on Monday, while defender Alanna Kennedy wasn’t part of the main group for at least the opening stage of the session at the Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre.

Kerr’s left calf was strapped as she stood to the side of the field speaking to a member of the squad's medical staff as her teammates prepared for Thursday’s Group B clash with Nigeria in Brisbane.

After watching the early stages of training, the star striker departed the training area.

Having already missed Australia’s opening match of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, last week’s 1-0 win over Ireland in Sydney, Kerr also won’t play at Suncorp Stadium on Thursday.

Injured Matildas skipper Sam Kerr (left) chats to a team medico at training. Picture: Adam Head

Sam Kerr was seen watching on for the start of Matilda’s training on Monday. Picture: Adam Head

The injured striker will not be able to play on Thursday when Australia faces off with Nigeria. Picture: Adam Head

A Football Australia spokeswoman on Monday afternoon denied a suggestion from within the Matildas camp that Kerr had torn her calf.

Meanwhile, Kennedy, who was a key part of Australia’s defence against the Irish, was on restricted duties on Monday as part of load management.

The Manchester City centre-back had been hampered by injuries before making a successful international return in Australia’s 1-0 tournament warm-up win over France on July 14 in Melbourne.

Her performance in that match ensured her selection against Ireland in the heart of Australia’s defence alongside Clare Hunt.

The Matildas, who lead Group B on three points, two more than Canada and Nigeria, can guarantee themselves a spot in the round of 16 with a game to spare by beating the Super Falcons on Thursday night.

Originally published as Matildas captain Sam Kerr again restricted to viewing role as the rest of Australia’s squad train