Matildas captain Sam Kerr could be facing more time on the sidelines as Chelsea manager raises alarm bells on Aussie striker’s fitness

• Sonia Bompastor was unable to confirm if Sam Kerr would return this season 
• Kerr has been out of action since January 2024 after suffering an ACL injury

By ED CARRUTHERS FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA

Chelsea Women’s manager Sonia Bompastor is doubtful that Matildas striker Sam Kerr will return before the end of the Women’s Super League season.

The 31-year-old is currently working back from undergoing surgery on an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury she suffered back in January 2024 while on a training camp with Chelsea.

The footballer had been expected to make a comeback in recent months, following her high-profile trial where Kerr was found not guilty of the racially aggravated harassment of a British police officer.

Though hopeful Kerr could make it back before the Blues’ final league game of the season against Manchester United on May 18, Bompastor refused to be drawn on the exact time frame with which Kerr could return.

‘It is difficult for me to say because everyone is different and everyone reacts differently,’ the Chelsea boss said to reporters, when pressed on when Kerr could likely return.

‘Sam is progressing in her rehab but I don’t have enough elements to say if we will see her this season.

Chelsea coach Sonia Bompastor was unable to confirm if Sam Kerr (pictured) would be back to play before the end of the season 

Bompastor (pictured) raised concerns over Kerr’s return to play, stating that the striker was ‘progressing’ but would not be drawn on a time frame for her return

Kerr (left) has been back training on grass in recent months and recently travelled to Australia to train with her national side, during their friendlies against South Korea

‘Hopefully, yes, but it is difficult for me to say.’

It comes after Kerr has, over the past month, returned to training on grass.

She also travelled back to Australia earlier this month and trained with members of the Matildas squad, but did not feature in either of their friendlies against South Korea.

It means that Kerr will now have been sidelined for 15 months with the ligament injury.

Just a week ago, another Aussie star, Mary Fowler, also ruptured her cruciate ligaments, during Manchester City’s Women’s Super League defeat against Man United.

Fowler had been in fine form for the Cityzens this season and Australia, stepping up in the absence of Kerr, and notably scoring in the Matildas’ 2- 0 victory against South Korea.

Australia will play out two international friendlies against Argentina on May 30, and again on June 2.

Kerr, meanwhile, is also set to welcome a baby boy this year, with her fiancee Kristie Mewis expecting the couple’s first child.

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Matildas captain Sam Kerr could be facing more time on the sidelines as Chelsea manager raises alarm bells on Aussie striker’s fitness

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