Il Messaggiere - Sam Kerr poised to return for Australia's Matildas

NYSE - LSE
CMSD 0.78% 23.08 $
GSK 2.09% 58.35 $
BCE -0.29% 24.09 $
BP -6.82% 44.59 $
RBGPF -19.57% 69 $
BCC 5.11% 83.04 $
RIO 0.44% 100.15 $
CMSC 0.66% 22.77 $
JRI 1.38% 13.09 $
NGG -0.69% 86.92 $
AZN 2.11% 204.8 $
BTI 0.95% 56.68 $
RELX 1.28% 36.68 $
RYCEF 3.17% 17.66 $
VOD -1.42% 15.48 $
Sam Kerr poised to return for Australia's Matildas
Sam Kerr poised to return for Australia's Matildas / Photo: COLIN MURTY - 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.

C.P.Ajello--IM