Volkswacht Bodensee - Sam Kerr poised to return for Australia's Matildas

NYSE - LSE
CMSC 0.18% 21.99 $
NGG 3.22% 82.85 $
VOD 1.06% 13.15 $
CMSD -0.14% 22.15 $
BTI 1.96% 61.77 $
RBGPF 3.73% 68.15 $
RYCEF 2.74% 19.68 $
GSK 4.4% 53.66 $
RIO 1.13% 94.42 $
BCE 1.87% 21.42 $
BCC 0.59% 75.93 $
JRI 0.46% 13 $
RELX 1.72% 31.93 $
AZN 5.79% 195.15 $
BP 3.34% 37.4 $
Sam Kerr poised to return for Australia's Matildas
Sam Kerr poised to return for Australia's Matildas / Photo: © AFP

Sam Kerr poised to return for Australia's Matildas

Sam Kerr is poised to return to international football following a lengthy injury layoff after she was named Friday in Australia's squad to take on Wales and England.

Text size:

But there was no indication whether the Chelsea striker -- who has not played for the Matildas in almost two years -- would again be handed the captain's armband.

Matildas coach Joe Montemurro said the 32-year-old's "leadership and presence" were invaluable to the side.

"Having Sam back in the squad is a special moment -- not just for the team, but for Australian football."

Kerr returned to club football for Chelsea in September -- her first match since picking up a serious knee injury in December 2023.

She was found in February not guilty of racially aggravated abuse after calling a British police officer "stupid and white" following a drunken night out.

The Matildas have typically been captained by Arsenal defender Steph Catley in Kerr's absence.

Manchester City midfielder Mary Fowler was not selected after rupturing a ligament in her knee this year.

Australia play Wales in Cardiff on October 25 before facing England in Derby on October 28.

R.Kloeti--VB