‘Difficult’: Sam Kerr mystery continues more than 14 months after she hurt her ACL

More than 14 months after suffering an ACL injury, the mystery surrounding Matildas star Sam Kerr is just getting deeper.

Chelsea coach Sonia Bompastor concedes Matildas captain Sam Kerr’s return date remains “unclear” nearly 16 months after she injured her ACL.

While a trio of her national teammates prepare for the Champions League final, Kerr remains out of action as Chelsea’s campaign draws nearer to a close.

Watch the biggest Aussie sports & the best from overseas LIVE on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer.

Kerr, 31, injured her knee during a training camp in early January 2024, and Bompastor said the Australian star was working “really hard” on her recovery.

But she was not yet fit enough to be included in any match-day squads.

Kerr did attend both legs of Chelsea’s Champions League semi-final loss to Barcelona and there remain three matches left in the Women’s Super League.

Chelsea is six points clear on top of the table and on track for a sixth successive title.

Sam Kerr endured a court case during her recovery from an ACL injury. Picture: Justin Tallis / AFP

But that campaign finishes on May 10, eight days before Chelsea meets Manchester United at Wembley Stadium in the FA Cup final.

Whether Kerr is available for any games remains uncertain.

“She’s working really hard,” said Bompastor.

“All the performance staff are doing everything for her to play this season.

“We’ll see how it goes. We know we only have a few games left now. Hopefully, yes, but it’s difficult for me to have a clear answer.”

Kerr’s recovery time has gone well beyond the usual length of time for an ACL despite returning to training in January.

She also went through an ugly and very public court case in London, after which she was found not guilty of the racially aggravated harassment of a Metropolitan Police officer.

The Matildas’ next matches are on May 30 and June 2 against Argentina and Kerr has been cleared by Football Australia to resume national duties in the wake of the court case.