Sam Kerr is set to return for Chelsea in their Women’s Super League opener against Manchester City after a 20-month absence due to a knee injury. Head coach Sonia Bompastor confirmed Kerr’s inclusion in the squad, though it’s uncertain if she will start. Kerr’s return is timely, as Mayra Ramírez is sidelined with a hamstring injury. Lucy Bronze is also still recovering from a fractured tibia. Chelsea aims to start their title defense strong with Kerr’s return providing a significant boost.
Chelsea fans, get ready to roar! After a grueling 20 months on the sidelines, sidelined by a serious knee injury, Sam Kerr is poised to make her triumphant return to the pitch. The Australian superstar is set to feature in Chelsea's Women’s Super League (WSL) opener against Manchester City. This news has sent waves of excitement throughout the Chelsea camp and its global fanbase.
Sonia Bompastor, the Chelsea head coach, confirmed the electrifying news on Thursday. She announced that Kerr would be included in the squad for the highly anticipated clash at Stamford Bridge. While Bompastor remained coy about whether Kerr would start the match, her inclusion alone is a massive boost for the defending champions. The team has felt the absence of their star striker, whose goal-scoring prowess and leadership qualities are undeniable.
“Sam Kerr is in the squad, so she will be involved in the game,” Bompastor stated. “We don’t know yet if she will start or not, but yes, she is in the squad, she’s in a good place. She’s been training well. She’s mentally and physically in a good position.”
Kerr's journey back to full fitness has been nothing short of inspiring. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury she sustained in January 2024 was a significant blow, forcing her to miss the entirety of last season. Despite her absence, Chelsea displayed remarkable resilience, securing a domestic treble. However, everyone associated with the club knows that having Kerr back in the fold elevates their chances of continued success exponentially.
Bompastor emphasized the importance of patience with Kerr, acknowledging that it will take time for her to regain peak form. “She is one of the players who everyone wants to see on the pitch and it’s nice for me to have her in the squad with her leadership and experience. At the same time, she’s been away from the pitch for a long time so I think we need to still be patient with her and it’s normal for her to not be at the best level yet. Sam is a great player.”
Kerr’s return couldn't have come at a more opportune time. Chelsea are currently grappling with an injury to Mayra Ramírez, who recently underwent surgery for a hamstring issue. Ramírez's absence leaves a void in the attacking lineup, making Kerr's availability all the more crucial. Bompastor acknowledged the significance of Ramírez's injury, stating, “She had successful surgery, which is something really positive, but it’s sad for Mayra and sad for us because she was a really important player in the team. For me now it’s about making sure she had a speedy recovery. That’s a big loss for us.”
Adding to Chelsea's injury woes is the absence of England right-back Lucy Bronze, who continues to recover from a fractured tibia sustained during Euro 2025. Bronze's experience and defensive solidity are sorely missed, but Bompastor remains optimistic about her eventual return. “It’s difficult now to put a timeframe on Lucy’s return but she is doing well,” Bompastor said. “She’s in a good place mentally and physically, so hopefully she will come back soon, but I think she’ll still be some weeks away from her return on the pitch.”
As Chelsea prepares to kick off their WSL title defense, the return of Sam Kerr injects a renewed sense of optimism and excitement. Her presence on the pitch is not only a threat to opposing defenses but also a source of inspiration for her teammates and fans alike. The clash against Manchester City promises to be a thrilling encounter, and Kerr's involvement adds an extra layer of intrigue to what is already a highly anticipated match.
With Kerr back in the squad, Chelsea is determined to continue their dominance in the WSL and make a strong statement on the European stage. The road ahead will undoubtedly be challenging, but with their star striker leading the charge, the Blues are confident that they can achieve even greater heights.
The stage is set, the players are ready, and the fans are eager. All eyes will be on Stamford Bridge as Sam Kerr makes her long-awaited return. Will she score a dramatic winner? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: the Women’s Super League is about to get a whole lot more exciting.