Sam Kerr is potentially making her Chelsea return after 20 months due to an ACL injury. Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor confirmed Kerr will be in the squad against Manchester City for the WSL season opener. Kerr’s return is timely with injuries to key players like Mayra Ramirez, Lucy Bronze, and Lauren James. Bompastor praised James for addressing her challenges during the Euros, emphasizing support for her players. Kerr’s presence is hoped to boost Chelsea’s title defense, given her past impact of 58 goals in 75 WSL matches.
Chelsea fans, rejoice! After a grueling 20-month wait, Australian superstar Sam Kerr is poised to make her long-awaited return to the pitch for the Blues. The potential comeback could happen in the Women's Super League (WSL) season opener, igniting excitement among supporters and providing a significant boost to Chelsea's title defense.
Kerr's absence has been keenly felt since she suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during a training camp in January 2024. The injury sidelined her for the entirety of the previous season, a period during which Chelsea, under the guidance of manager Sonia Bompastor, remarkably clinched a domestic treble and etched their names in WSL history as the first team to complete a 22-game season without a single defeat.
Bompastor has confirmed that Kerr will be included in the squad to face Manchester City in the opening match of the 2025-26 WSL season. However, the manager remained cautious about Kerr's immediate role, stating, "I'm not sure if she will start or not. She is in a good place, mentally in a good position. People want her on the pitch, she has experience but has been away a long time, so we have to be patient with her. But it is a good step for her to be in the squad."
Kerr's return is particularly timely for Chelsea, who are currently grappling with a series of injuries to key players. Striker Mayra Ramirez is sidelined until the new year following hamstring surgery, while right-back Lucy Bronze and winger Lauren James are also set to miss the start of the season due to injuries sustained during Euro 2025. These absences place additional significance on Kerr's potential comeback, as her goal-scoring prowess and leadership qualities could prove invaluable in navigating the early stages of the season.
Kerr's track record with Chelsea speaks volumes about her impact on the team. In 75 WSL matches, she has netted an impressive 58 goals, playing a pivotal role in securing three consecutive WSL titles under former manager Emma Hayes from 2020-21 to 2022-23. Her ability to find the back of the net, coupled with her relentless work ethic and infectious enthusiasm, makes her a firm favorite among Chelsea supporters.
Bompastor also addressed the injuries to Bronze and James, who both featured prominently for England during the Euros. Bronze revealed that she had been playing with a broken shin, while James was forced off in the first half of the final against Spain due to an ankle injury. While acknowledging the unfortunate situation, Bompastor refrained from blaming either player or England manager Sarina Wiegman, stating, "I was a player. I would have done the same. But now we have this situation, it is not great to not have these two players." She indicated that both players would be out for "a few weeks," making Kerr's return even more crucial.
Bompastor also lauded James for speaking out about the challenges she faced during her injury layoff at the Euros, including dealing with fan criticism and concerns about potential racism. The manager emphasized her support for her players, stating, "She is not the only one who is quite vocal in my squad. I am proud of my players when they step up on important subjects. I encourage them to raise these problems. I encourage them to stay brave."
As Chelsea prepares to embark on their WSL title defense, the potential return of Sam Kerr injects a renewed sense of optimism and excitement into the squad. While her immediate role remains uncertain, her presence alone will undoubtedly provide a significant lift to the team. The Chelsea faithful eagerly await the opportunity to witness Kerr back in action, hoping that she can replicate her previous heroics and propel the Blues to further success.
With key players sidelined through injury, Kerr's experience and goal-scoring ability will be vital as Chelsea navigates the early stages of the WSL season. The manager's cautious approach to her return underscores the importance of managing her fitness carefully, ensuring she is fully prepared for the rigors of top-flight football. As the season unfolds, Kerr's impact on Chelsea's title aspirations will be closely scrutinized, with fans and pundits alike eagerly anticipating her return to the scoresheet.