Superstar striker Sam Kerr will make some surprise cameos at Matildas training over the next fortnight, but her return-to-play timeline still remains a mystery.
Kerr hasn’t played since tearing her anterior cruciate ligament while training with English powerhouse Chelsea 17 months ago.
A normal recovery timeline for a knee reconstruction is 9-12 months, but it was recently revealed Kerr had suffered another injury – not related to the ACL – that also required surgery.
The exact nature of that injury is yet to be detailed, and her return-to-fitness schedule also remains unclear.
Kerr wasn’t named in the 33-player Matildas squad for the June/July FIFA Women’s international window.
But she will link up with her Matildas teammates in any case as they prepare for two games against Slovenia and two games against Panama in Western Australia.
The Matildas kick off the action against Slovenia at HBF Park on Thursday night.
During her time in Perth, Kerr will undertake a combination of individual sessions and select training activities alongside the playing group, under the watchful eye of Football Australia’s medical team.
Her club Chelsea have given their blessing for Kerr to partake in those activities.
The upcoming matches will be the first under new Matildas coach Joe Montemurro, who has less than nine months to get the squad into shape ahead of the Asian Cup on home soil.
Montemurro has put an emphasis on retention of the ball, breaking the lines and pressuring opponents when without the ball.
“It’s exciting to have a new game plan, and just his passion is really exciting,” Matildas defender Charli Grant said.
Matildas captain Sam Kerr. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
“He wants to be one of the best footballing teams in the world and that’s what we’re always striving to be.”
The Matildas will be without the likes of Kerr, Mary Fowler (knee) and Tameka Yallop (leg) for the upcoming fixtures, while Steph Catley, Caitlin Foord, Katrina Gorry and Cortnee Vine are all on personal leave.
It means players like Grant, who is normally stuck behind star fullbacks Catley and Ellie Carpenter in the pecking order, will receive more game time.
Grant has also been forced to be patient at club level, with the 23-year-old limited to 18 Women’s Super League appearances for Tottenham over the past two seasons.
Tottenham recently parted ways with coach Robert Vilahamn in a move that could open the door for more opportunities for Grant.
“I love being able to come up against some of the best players in the world, but it’s also been very challenging,” Grant said of her time with Tottenham.
“I haven’t had that much game time over there, which has been really mentally draining.
“But at the same time, it’s made me a more resilient person and player, and just put more fire in my belly to prove myself.
“When you fall short of some opportunities, you just want to prove them wrong. It adds a fire, and it makes me work 10 times harder.
“I’ve got another year left on my contract, so just looking forward to pre-season, and we’ll have a new coach soon, so just looking to prove myself once again.”
© AAP
