Australia’s star striker, Sam Kerr, has been doing all she can to rush her recovery. She is recovering from knee surgery that she received 15 months ago. Tom Sermanni, caretaker coach and interim coach at the time of the injury, says that Kerr is “tracking pretty well.” She’s not quite ready to return to the national team. Her most recent appearance for Australia was in November 2023, where she scored her 69th international goal against Taiwan.
The Matildas are in camp ahead of two international friendlies against Argentina on May 30 and June 2. Notably, Kerr’s involvement will be contingent on Chelsea making a judgment on her match fitness. The 31-year-old sportswoman has not played for her country since late last year. If the stars have indeed all lined up in her favor, her comeback may be less than a stride away.
Coach Provides Update on Kerr’s Condition
Matildas caretaker coach Tom Sermanni maintains regular contact with Kerr on her recovery process. He doesn’t disappear—he stays in touch, readers learn, to track her progress. He painted an upbeat picture of her rehabilitation. At the same time, he stressed that you always have to be careful when allowing her to come back and play.
“She’s tracking pretty well, but she’s not just quite ready yet to come in and play,” – Tom Sermanni
Sermanni said their decision to fully reintegrate Kerr into the squad will be based on guidance from Chelsea. He praised her readiness, calling it a “camp-by-camp kind of situation.” The Matildas would be more than happy to have Kerr back with open arms. They would expect Chelsea to do everything possible to help her get some minutes before the next int’ break.
Conditions for Kerr’s Return
Kerr’s return to the Matildas will be a matter of her physical readiness. It needs approval from her club, Chelsea. Sermanni said that Chelsea were likely to release Kerr for the national team’s September and October friendlies. He thinks Clarissa would improve by competing in those games.
“If (Chelsea) feel that she’s ready to come back for our next window… that might happen,” – Tom Sermanni
If Chelsea would prefer her to focus on rehab and training through pre-season, that might push her return back further. Protecting her health would require waiting a bit more. Sermanni suggested that this situation feels more plausible right now.
“If, on the other hand, they say, look, we just want her now to take this time to get her preparation really well done… that’s probably a more likely scenario,” – Tom Sermanni
The Impact of Personal Life on Performance
When she’s not defending her professional responsibilities, Kerr recently had a new child with her partner Kristie Mewis. This major psychosocial transition likely contributes to both her present circumstances and her path to recovery. Balancing motherhood with athletic responsibilities can be challenging, and Kerr’s focus will likely remain on ensuring she is fully prepared before returning to competitive play.
Talks are already running hot on Joe Montemurro’s expected appointment as the permanent replacement for Tony Gustavsson. The Matildas are focused on firming up their roster. The possible return of Kerr would certainly strengthen the team’s XI as they set their eyes on upcoming competitions including World Cup 2023 and Olympics 2024.
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