Chelsea’s Sam Kerr Offers Update On ACL Recovery

Chelsea forward, Sam Kerr said she would not jeopardize her future in the game by rushing her recovery from a second anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.

Australia’s all-time leading scorer, with 69 goals in 128 appearances, Kerr sustained an ACL injury during a training session with Chelsea in January, resulting in her absence from the Paris Olympics.

She also missed the 2012 London Games due to a similar injury.

“I’m not putting a date on my return, just making sure I get it right and making sure I feel good before I get back on the pitch,” Kerr told Optus Sport in an interview published on Monday.

“I mean, it’s my second ACL, so I know you need to take the time, you need to make sure it’s right and I’m doing everything I can. But no rush for me, I want to make sure I can play for many more years to come.”

Kerr, who turns 31 on Tuesday, has signed a contract extension until 2026 with the Women’s Super League (WSL) champions.

Since joining Chelsea in the 2019-20 season, Kerr has won five WSL titles, three FA Cups and two League Cups. Additionally, she played a key role in leading the team to the Women’s Champions League finals during the 2020-21 season.

Chelsea embark on a fresh start this season under French coach Sonia Bompastor after 12 years under former manager Emma Hayes.

Kerr stated that their primary goal is to win the Women’s Champions League following defeat in the semi-final last season.

“We’ve fallen short a few years in a row, and hopefully Sonia brings that to this club,” she added.