Post by : Maya Rahman

Australia's star striker, Sam Kerr, is back in the Matildas squad for a friendly against Wales this Saturday in Cardiff. The Chelsea forward has finally returned after a lengthy recovery from a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament that kept her off the pitch for 20 months. Her comeback represents a significant milestone as she seeks to regain both her fitness and her leadership role.

Although she was replaced by Steph Catley as captain during her time away, Kerr is eager to reclaim the captaincy. “I know I can offer so much more to this team as a leader,” Kerr stated, asserting that her experience and football acumen position her as one of the squad’s top leaders. Her main goal now is to demonstrate her readiness to lead the team once more.

Kerr's challenges have been substantial. Earlier this year, she faced a court case tied to an incident from two years ago concerning racially aggravated harassment of a police officer in London, from which she was ultimately acquitted. These challenges, alongside her injury, make her return both a personal and a professional triumph.

During her hiatus from the game, Kerr became a mother, adding an enriching chapter to her life as she makes her way back to football. She has candidly stated that achieving her peak fitness level isn’t instantaneous. “I’m not quite at 90 minutes of fitness yet, I'd say I’ve got around 70 minutes in me right now,” Kerr noted. She is dedicated to building her stamina through training, recognizing that a rushed return could jeopardize her future performance.

With Australia's hosting of the Women’s Asian Cup coming up in March, where the Matildas aim to clinch the title for the first time since 2010, Kerr prioritizes her preparation and full fitness before the tournament. “The Asian Cup is my key focus now, so I have no need to rush things,” she emphasized. Her careful approach underscores her commitment to personal improvement and team success.

Passionate about her role as a team leader, Kerr aspires to mentor younger teammates by applying her experience in high-stakes matches. By concentrating on her fitness, training, and rebuilding her confidence on the field, Kerr aims to bolster her argument for reclaiming the captaincy. Her determination exemplifies resilience and perseverance in the realm of elite sports.

#News #Sports