Samantha Kerr Returns to Australia Squad After Lengthy Injury Absence
Australia’s national women’s soccer team, the Matildas, have welcomed back star striker Samantha Kerr for upcoming friendlies against Wales and England, marking her first call-up since late 2023. The return of the prolific goalscorer is a significant boost as the team prepares for the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup and beyond.
Kerr’s last appearance for Australia came in November 2023 during an AFC Women’s Olympic qualifying match against Chinese Taipei. The 32-year-old then faced a devastating setback, suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in January 2024 while training with Chelsea. This injury sidelined her for the majority of the 2023-24 season, the entirety of the 2024-25 campaign, and forced her to miss the 2024 Paris Olympics.
After a challenging absence of 634 days, Kerr made a triumphant return to the pitch for Chelsea last month, immediately making her mark by scoring her 100th goal for the club in her first game back.
“Having Sam back in the squad is a special moment – not just for the team, but for Australian football,” stated the Matildas head coach, Joe Montemurro, in a recent media release. “Her leadership and presence are invaluable as we continue building toward the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 and beyond.”
With an impressive record of 69 goals in 128 international appearances, Kerr’s impact on the Matildas is undeniable. Montemurro is expected to gradually reintegrate her into the team during the upcoming friendlies, acknowledging her recent return from a significant injury. While Kerr was part of the team’s camp in April as she continued her rehabilitation, this will be her first official call-up under Montemurro’s leadership.
The Matildas confirmed Kerr’s return to the squad on X (formerly Twitter), noting it had been 692 days since her last appearance. However, the team did not address whether Kerr would immediately reclaim the captaincy, a role currently held by defender Steph Catley during Kerr’s absence.
https://twitter.com/MatildasAus
Australia will face Wales in Cardiff on October 25, marking the first-ever competitive match between the two nations. Three days later, they will travel to Derby to take on the reigning European champions, England. “It will be Australia’s first time competing against Wales and there is a competitive history with England, so both games will provide different challenges to test the team, our playing style and the way we play together,” Montemurro explained.
These friendlies are crucial preparation for the Women’s Asian Cup 2026, which Australia will host in March across three cities. The Matildas have been drawn into Group A alongside South Korea, Iran, and the Philippines. The tournament will also serve as the final stage of Asian qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
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The return of Samantha Kerr signals a new chapter for the Matildas, filled with renewed optimism and a clear focus on success in the upcoming Asian Cup and beyond.
