Australian football star Sam Kerr has been dealt a devastating blow as she has officially been ruled out of the 2024 Paris Olympics due to an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear. The striker sustained the injury during a Chelsea training camp in January, putting her road to recovery at a minimum of nine months.
As the Matildas’ coach announced the squad for Australia’s final pre-Olympics friendlies, it was confirmed that Kerr would not be fit in time for the Games in July. This news comes as a major setback for the nation’s all-time record goal scorer and arguably Australia’s biggest sporting idol.
Kerr joins a growing list of high-profile female footballers, such as England captain Leah Williamson and Dutch striker Vivianne Miedema, who have suffered ACL injuries. The lengthy recovery process is a common challenge for professional athletes, with the Matildas facing a string of injuries leading up to the Olympics.
Key midfielder Katrina Gorry, defender Clare Hunt, stalwart Aivi Luik, and young midfielder Amy Sayer are among the sidelined players, adding to the team’s woes. With the Olympics fast approaching, Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson faces a tough task in evaluating players and finalizing the squad for Paris.
Kerr’s absence is a significant loss for the Matildas, who were hoping to secure a medal in Paris after narrowly missing out on podium finishes at the previous Olympics and World Cup. Despite her recent setbacks, Kerr’s impressive track record at Chelsea and for the Australian national team highlights her talent and potential impact on the field.
As Kerr focuses on her recovery and rehabilitation, the football world will be eagerly awaiting her return to the pitch and hoping for a speedy recovery for the star striker.
