Sam Kerr’s availability for the Matildas clarified in a short statement before upcoming friendlies in Australia.

Australian football fans will have to wait longer to see Sam Kerr back on the field, as the Matildas star has not yet recovered from her knee injury. The striker, who tore her anterior cruciate ligament during a Chelsea training session, has been sidelined for over a year. Despite being named in Chelsea’s Champions League squad, Kerr did not feature in the match and remains unavailable for selection.

Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor confirmed that Kerr will miss upcoming league games and the Champions League second leg. She emphasized that the club is taking a cautious approach to her recovery, stating they will reassess after the international break. With Chelsea prioritizing her long-term fitness, it could be months before Kerr returns to play for Australia.

Off the field, Kerr recently won a legal battle after being found not guilty of racially aggravated harassment of a UK police officer. She expressed relief at putting the case behind her and thanked her supporters. Meanwhile, she and her fiancée, Kristie Mewis, are preparing for their next chapter, as they expect their first child later this year.