Sam Kerr's fresh injury concerns a mystery that even Matildas coach is in the dark about

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Matildas captain Sam Kerr will miss the next four matches as mystery continues to surround her return from an ACL tear that even interim coach Tom Sermanni has been kept in the dark on. 

Sam Kerr suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during a Chelsea training camp in Morocco in January.

This injury required surgery and a rehabilitation period, sidelining her for the remainder of the 2024 season.

Consequently, Kerr missed significant matches for Chelsea, including the latter half of the Women's Super League season, and was unable to participate in the Matildas' campaign at the Paris Olympics.

Recovery from an ACL injury typically takes 6 to 12 months, depending on the severity of the injury and the rehabilitation process. Athletes who undergo surgery often return to sports in 9 to 12 months. 

'Her rehab is going really well,' Sermanni said, adding that ACL injuries typically take at least a full year to heal.

'Things are getting a little bit better in rehab, but in reality, it's still probably a 12-month injury, and Sam's taking that time to come back to ensure that hopefully, when she comes back, she's going to be completely fit and healthy.'

Matildas captain Sam Kerr, pictured with fiance Kristie Mewis, remains unavailable as she recovers from an ACL tear

Matildas interim coach Tom Sermanni is unaware of any other injury problems with Kerr

The Matildas star posted this update earlier this week in a boost for Aussie and Chelsea fans

However, Kerr told the BBC in September that there was 'little bit more going on than an ACL' and has been ruled out for the rest of the year.

When asked if he knew about any additional injuries, Sermanni said 'absolutely not'. 

 'If you've heard that, you're telling me something I've not heard,' he added. 

However, in a boost for Kerr fans, the Chelsea and Matildas superstar made an update on social media.

'5 years with Chelsea,' she posted with a blue heart emoji.

'Be back soon x.'

Her fiance Kristie Mewis replied: 'Can’t come fast enough'.

Matildas teammate Mackenzie Arnold commented, saying: 'I can’t wait for it'. 

England and Brighton & Hove Albion star Fran Kirby also replied: 'Can’t wait to see you back'. 

Seven uncapped Matildas players and eight with 10 caps or less have been selected in the 36-strong squad for two games against Brazil, in Queensland on November 28 and December 1, and two against Taiwan in Victoria on December 4 and 7. 

MATILDAS SQUAD:

Goalkeepers: Morgan Aquino*, Mackenzie Arnold, Chloe Lincoln*, Teagan Micah

Defenders: Ellie Carpenter, Steph Catley, Charli Grant, Winonah Heatley, Bryleeh Henry, Clare Hunt, Alanna Kennedy, Matilda McNamara*, Jessika Nash, Courtney Nevin, Clare Polkinghorne, Natasha Prior*, Jamilla Rankin, Karly Roestbakken

Midfielders: Alex Chidiac, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Leah Davidson*, Daniela Galic, Isabel Gomez*, Katrina Gorry, Emily van Egmond, Clare Wheeler, Tameka Yallop

Forwards: Caitlin Foord, Mary Fowler, Sharn Freier, Emily Gielnik, Michelle Heyman, Chloe Logarzo, Hana Lowry*, Hayley Raso, Remy Siemsen

*denotes maiden call-up