Sam Kerr has taken a step nearer to her extremely anticipated return to soccer from a critical knee harm after becoming a member of her Matildas teammates in Perth.
The striker has not stepped out for her Ladies’s Tremendous League membership Chelsea or the nationwide crew in practically 18 months as she recovers from a torn ACL.
Kerr suffered the harm at Chelsea’s warm-weather coaching camp in Morocco in January 2024 and has since battled setbacks in her restoration.
READ MORE: ‘Needs to go now’: Hasler urged to step down immediately
READ MORE: ‘You’re not Curtly’: Healy rips Windies star over Konstas barb
READ MORE: Hardwick apologises to AFL boss over ‘finger salute’
Sam Kerr is again operating, taking one other step nearer to her return to soccer. Instagram
New Matildas coach Joe Montemurro just lately revealed that the captain underwent a second surgical procedure, although he acknowledged that the intervention was unrelated to her present harm.
Whereas she is going to play no half within the Matildas’ friendlies towards Slovenia and Panama through the worldwide window in June and July, the 31-year-old has touched down in her residence metropolis of Perth.
In a earlier social media submit, Kerr shared photos of her operating by means of soccer drills throughout a visit to Mallorca, Spain, along with her associate Kristie Mewis and new child son Jagger.
On Tuesday, she posted an Instagram story from the Sam Kerr Soccer Centre in Perth, the place the nationwide crew is presently primarily based forward of video games at Perth Rectangular Stadium and Palms Oval in Bunbury.
Kerr has been working with each Chelsea and Soccer Australia’s medical and efficiency employees throughout her restoration.
Whereas a full-time physio in London is devoted to her rehab with Chelsea, as Kerr is on depart from the membership, her restoration is underneath the supervision of the Matildas’ Efficiency Assist crew.
It’s understood that Kerr is about to finish a mix of particular person classes and take part in choose coaching actions along with her Matildas teammates.
Sam Kerr’s Instagram story confirming her presence in Perth with the Matildas squad. @samanthakerr20 by way of Instagram
Kerr was not named in Montemurro’s 33-player squad for the 4 video games in Western Australia. Some gamers will solely take part in a single collection, with the Matildas to play each international locations twice.
Talking following the announcement, Montemurro confirmed he had been speaking to Kerr and that her rehab is progressing effectively, although she has not but been cleared for aggressive matches.
Whereas Kerr’s return-to-play timeline stays unclear, Soccer Australia is enjoying its half to make sure her reintegration into the nationwide crew.
“We’re monitoring that on a day-to-day, week-to-week state of affairs,” Montemurro stated.
“She’s on observe and we’re working intently with Chelsea to verify she’s prepared for the season entering into from there.
“All the pieces’s pointing in a optimistic method and going within the course we really feel that is proper.”
The Matildas are set to play their first recreation underneath Montemurro towards Slovenia on Thursday, with kick-off at 9pm AEST at Perth Rectangular Stadium.
