Matildas star Sam Kerr has insisted there’s no reason why she can’t get back to her prolific goal-scoring best as she reveals she’s on the verge of her long-awaited playing return with Chelsea.
Kerr hasn’t played for club or country since tearing her ACL on a Chelsea training camp in January 2024.
Her rehabilitation has had setbacks, including requiring further surgery earlier this year, while she also endured a high-profile court case in February.
There is still no fixed date for her return but Kerr is now back training with her teammates, who have been on a training camp in the Netherlands.
Australia’s greatest goalscorer, who has enjoyed a trophy-laden six years at Chelsea, backed herself in to deliver when she returns for her club.
‘My contribution is goals; it’s as simple as that,’ Kerr told Chelsea’s website.
Sam Kerr is on the verge of making her comeback from a serious knee injury that has kept her off the field for 20 months
The Matildas striker has told her fans there’s ‘no reason’ she can’t pick up where she left off as one of the top players in the world
‘For the last, however many years, I’ve been within the top goalscorers, if not the top goalscorer in the team, and that’s where I want to come back to, I’ve got high expectations of myself.
‘I have a lot of confidence in my ability, so the contribution for me is straightforward. It’s goals. That’s what I’m here to do, and that’s what I normally do, so there’s no reason why I can’t do it again.’
Kerr has relished her return to more regular programming at Chelsea, who open their season against Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on September 5, after her horror injury run.
‘During an injury, you’re alone a lot,’ Kerr said.
‘So it’s good to be back with the girls, just doing the same training sessions as them rather than solitary rehab sessions.
‘It’s nice to be back with the girls, back on the pitch, and yeah, I’m excited. I’m most looking forward to being out there, scoring goals and having fun.’
Soccer fans couldn’t contain their joy over the update.
‘LFG!!!!!!’ one wrote on X.
The Aussie’s fans have revealed their joy at the news that the 31-year-old is raring to go
Kerr said being ‘alone a lot’ during her long rehab was difficult
‘This year will be next level!’ added another.
‘Coming for that golden boot,’ wrote another fan, referring to the award for the world’s best player.
‘The moment she steps back onto the pitch will be glorious,’ another commenter wrote.
Kerr’s enthusiasm will be welcome news for Matildas coach Joe Montemurro, who hopes to have her back firing ahead of next year’s Asian Cup, along with Mary Fowler, who recently started running as she attempts to return from her own ACL tear.
Chelsea will be especially keen to have her back in their attacking fold, with England dynamo Lauren James to miss the start of the season through an ankle injury suffered in the Women’s Euros final win over Spain.
Kerr, who has been joined by Matildas teammate Ellie Carpenter at Chelsea, is also keen to play under manager Sonia Bompastor for the first time.
‘Sonia’s very demanding as a manager,’ she said.
‘I’ve only been back in training for a couple of weeks with her, but I enjoy working under her and Cami (assistant coach Camille Abily), they’re great.
‘It’s a big change for me, but they had a lot of success last year, so I’m looking forward to playing under them.’
