Star player for the Matildas, Sam Kerr, has expressed confidence in her ability to return to her outstanding goal-scoring form as she prepares to make her much-anticipated comeback with Chelsea.
Kerr hasn’t played for club or country since tearing her ACL on a Chelsea training camp in January 2024.
Kerr’s recovery has faced obstacles, including a need for additional surgery earlier this year, and she also went through a notable legal battle in February.
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
‘Over the years, I’ve usually been among the top scorers, if not the leading scorer in the team, and that’s what I aim to achieve again. I set high standards for myself.’
‘I am very confident in my skills, so my focus is clear—scoring goals. That’s my role, and it’s what I typically do, so there’s no reason I can’t continue to do so.’
After her challenging period with injuries, Kerr is thrilled to return to regular activities at Chelsea, who face Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on September 5 to start their season.
‘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 wonderful to rejoin the team, being back on the field fills me with excitement. I look forward to playing, scoring goals, and enjoying the game.’
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.’
