When will Sam Kerr return for Chelsea? ACL injury timeline for Matildas star

Sam Kerr, the Matildas and Chelsea superstar, is taking her time to recover from her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, which has sidelined her for more than eight months. While Chelsea begins its campaign for a sixth Women’s Super League (WSL) title, Kerr is focused on a careful and steady recovery, stating that she’s in “no rush” to return.

Suffering her second ACL injury in January 2024, she missed the second half of Chelsea’s season and Australia’s run at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Kerr, acknowledging the long recovery process, shared that she wants to ensure she returns fully fit, with her mind and body in the right place before stepping back onto the field.

Although ACL recoveries vary between nine and 14 months, Kerr’s cautious approach means she is unlikely to return before the Christmas break. Speaking on the BBC’s Women’s Football Weekly podcast, she hinted that her recovery has been complicated by more than just the ACL injury, though she didn’t elaborate on the specifics.

Despite the extended timeline, Kerr remains optimistic and excited for her eventual comeback. Notably, when she does return, her first goal will mark her 100th for Chelsea, a milestone that adds to the anticipation of her return to competitive play.