Australia vs Chinese Taipei - AFC Women's Asian Olympic Qualifiers
Matildas star Sam Kerr is close to returning from a long-term knee injury after being named in a 25-strong Chelsea squad for the knockout stages of the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
Kerr hasn’t played since rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in her knee during a Chelsea training session in January last year.
However, she is now fit enough to selected in Chelsea’s latest extended Champions League squad, however she is no certainty to play in her club’s quarter-final first-leg clash against Mary Fowler’s Manchester City on Thursday morning (AEDT).
Philippines vs Australia - AFC Women's Asian Olympic Qualifiers
Sam Kerr is poised to make return from a serious knee injury. Picture: James Worsfold/Getty Images
“She is progressing really well in her rehab but I just want her to feel like the main focus for her will be to work really hard, be the best version of herself,” Chelsea coach Sonia Bompastor said of 31-year-old Kerr.
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“If we have positive news and she can bring in to the team her experience but also her competencies, it will be great.
“I just want to make it clear I think it is not really fair to expect a player who has been injured now for 15 months … to be the hero in the team.
“I think we have the squad to be able to be successful for the end of the season.”