Sam Kerr (left), Australia’s captain, watches from the sidelines at Stadium Australia before the match against the Republic of Ireland.
Sam Kerr, the captain of Australia’s team, has been declared unfit to participate in their first two Women’s World Cup matches owing to a calf injury she incurred during practice.
The injury means Kerr won’t play in the inaugural Group B match against the Republic of Ireland hosted at Stadium Australia this Thursday.
Kerr, who at 29, is Australia’s top scorer of all time, will also be out of play for the game against Nigeria slated for 27 July.
Her hope now is to recover in time for the last Group B game against Canada on 31 July.
The Chelsea striker revealed her injury on Instagram, stating, “Unfortunately, I sustained a calf injury yesterday during training. I’m sharing this news to avoid any distractions as we focus on our goals.
“I would have loved to play tonight, but I’m eagerly waiting to be a part of this exciting journey which starts now.”
A message on the Australia team’s Twitter account confirmed: “Sam Kerr will not be playing tonight due to a calf injury she sustained during training yesterday.
“Sam will be out for the next two games, and her condition will be reassessed by the Matildas’ medical team after our second group-stage match.”
Steph Catley, Arsenal’s defender, took over the captaincy in Kerr’s absence for the game, the second of the 2023 Women’s World Cup. Earlier that day, co-hosts New Zealand triumphed over Norway 1-0.
Sam Kerr was seen training with her Australian team-mates on Wednesday afternoon – where she suffered the calf injury.
Interestingly, Kerr seemed unruffled by any injury concern when she addressed the media at the pre-match press conference at Stadium Australia on Wednesday evening, following her team’s final practice session before their opening match.
Asserting Australia’s readiness for Thursday’s match and potential combat with the Republic, she said, “We just play our game. We hold a lot of respect for Ireland – they’ve achieved some good results – but it’s about us.”
Kerr was present at Stadium Australia to cheer on her team-mates as the co-hosts initiated their quest to clinch the Women’s World Cup for the first time.
With a remarkable record of 63 goals in 120 matches, Kerr has been a pivotal player for Australia, also enjoying significant success at the club level with three consecutive domestic doubles with Chelsea.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Sam Kerr injury
What injury has Sam Kerr sustained that has led to her missing the initial Women’s World Cup games?
Sam Kerr has incurred a calf injury during training that has resulted in her being ruled out of the first two Women’s World Cup games.
Which matches will Sam Kerr be missing due to her injury?
Kerr will be missing Australia’s opening game against the Republic of Ireland and the subsequent match against Nigeria due to her calf injury.
When is Sam Kerr expected to return to the field?
Kerr is hoping to recover in time for Australia’s final match in Group B, against Canada on 31 July.
Who replaced Sam Kerr as captain for the Women’s World Cup matches she will miss?
Arsenal’s defender, Steph Catley, has stepped in as Australia’s captain to replace Sam Kerr for the matches she will miss.
How did Sam Kerr announce her injury?
Sam Kerr announced her injury via an Instagram post, explaining that she had sustained a calf injury during training and wanted to share this information to avoid any distractions.
More about Sam Kerr injury
- Sam Kerr’s Instagram Post
- Matildas’ Official Twitter
- Women’s World Cup 2023
- Chelsea Women FC
- Arsenal Women FC
5 comments
My kids look up to Sam. Hope she gets well soon, we’ll be missin her in the next matches!
feel for Sam, but hey maybe this gives us a better chance against the Aussies.
Injuries like this can really affect a team’s morale. Hope Australia can still give their best. All the best to Sam for her recovery.
Ah man, gutted for Sam! She’s such a beast on the field. Get well soon, champ. We need ya!
can’t believe Kerr’s out for first two games. Hope she recovers quickly. Go Matildas!