CARDIFF – Australian football star Sam Kerr has expressed her desire to reclaim the Matildas’ captaincy. She makes her long-awaited return to international football following a 20-month absence due to injury.
The Chelsea striker recalled to the national squad for Saturday’s friendly against Wales in Cardiff. It mark her comeback after recovering from a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). During Kerr’s absence, Steph Catley took over the captain’s armband. While Kerr faced off-field challenges, including a court case in London earlier this year related to an incident in 2022. She was later found not guilty of racially aggravated harassment of a police officer.
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Despite the setback, Kerr remains determined to resume her leadership role. “Of course I still feel really passionate about that,” Kerr told Australian media. “I know I have so much more to give this team in a leadership role. I feel football-wise I am one of the best leaders in the team, so hopefully it will continue forward.”
Now 32, Kerr has also entered a new chapter in her personal life. She has become a mother during her recovery period. She acknowledged that returning to her peak form will take time. But she said “I am focusing on regaining full match fitness ahead of the Women’s Asian Cup next March. I’ve come back from my injury but there’s a year and a half of no football behind me. Fitness-wise I’m definitely not 90 minutes fit; maybe about 70; but every session helps. The Asian Cup is the most important thing for me coming up, so there’s no need to rush it.”
Kerr, one of the world’s most prolific forwards, will look to help the Matildas capture their first Asian Cup title since 2010. She rebuilds her form and leadership presence within the squad.