Matildas star Sam Kerr starts recovery after undergoing surgery for ACL
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In the world of sports, injuries are an unfortunate reality that can halt the momentum of the most promising athletes.
For football fans and the Matildas, this reality hit hard with the news that their captain and star striker, Sam Kerr, has undergone surgery for an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.
This setback has not only impacted her career but also the aspirations of the Matildas on the international stage.
Chelsea's Manager, Emma Hayes, confirmed that the club's star striker recently had the surgery.
The injury occurred during a routine training session, a 'simple and innocuous' movement that has now cast a shadow over the 30-year-old's illustrious career.
The speculation surrounding Kerr's future with Chelsea has been rife, with some suggesting that she may have played her last game for the English champions, while others believe she plans to renew her contract, which expires at the end of the season.
'She's having surgery today. Gutted for her, gutted for the team,' Hayes said in an interview.
'These injuries happen in football, Sam knows that. I think the important thing is we are here to support her.'
'The recovery, the rehab begins today.'
'Today's about letting her know she's with her Chelsea family, and we'll look after her.'
Hayes, who will be leaving Chelsea at the end of the season to join the US women's national team, explained that the injury occurred during Chelsea's warm-weather training in Morocco.
'Doing a football action, she does every day—turning and shooting. Something very simple and innocuous,' she explained.
She dismissed the notion of discussing the increasing number of serious knee injuries in women's football, stating, 'This is not the moment to talk about how those things happen. They happen in the men's and women's game.'
'Sometimes, we have a confirmation bias around ACL injuries, but they happen in the sport regardless of why they happen.'
Kerr's injury is a significant blow to Chelsea's Women's Super League campaign as they aim for their fifth consecutive WSL title.
Kerr, who has scored an impressive 99 goals in 128 matches for the club, will be sorely missed on the field.
The injury also puts a hold on Kerr's dream of leading the Blues to their first Champions League victory.
Furthermore, she will miss Australia's Olympic qualifiers and, most likely, the Games themselves in Paris, should the Matildas qualify.
'The focus for Sam right now is on rehab. I'm sure when the time is right to discuss her future, that will come from Sam and the club—but Sam loves Chelsea, and Chelsea loves Sam, so I think that's the most important thing to say on that front,' Hayes said.
Despite the setback, Chelsea has begun preparing for their Women’s FA Cup title defence against West Ham, the London club featuring Matildas Katrina Gorry and Mackenzie Arnold, as well as Kerr’s partner Kristie Mewis.
'I know Sam would expect me to say nothing less—our focus now has to be on the players that are fit,' Hayes added.
'I trust in the squad we have, and we have added to that as well. The focus and the attention has to go on the players that are here.'
What are your thoughts on this story, members? How do you think this will impact the Matildas and Chelsea? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
For football fans and the Matildas, this reality hit hard with the news that their captain and star striker, Sam Kerr, has undergone surgery for an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.
This setback has not only impacted her career but also the aspirations of the Matildas on the international stage.
Chelsea's Manager, Emma Hayes, confirmed that the club's star striker recently had the surgery.
The injury occurred during a routine training session, a 'simple and innocuous' movement that has now cast a shadow over the 30-year-old's illustrious career.
Matildas Captain Sam Kerr battles an ACL injury. Image source: Instagram/@samanthakerr20.
The speculation surrounding Kerr's future with Chelsea has been rife, with some suggesting that she may have played her last game for the English champions, while others believe she plans to renew her contract, which expires at the end of the season.
'She's having surgery today. Gutted for her, gutted for the team,' Hayes said in an interview.
'These injuries happen in football, Sam knows that. I think the important thing is we are here to support her.'
'The recovery, the rehab begins today.'
'Today's about letting her know she's with her Chelsea family, and we'll look after her.'
Hayes, who will be leaving Chelsea at the end of the season to join the US women's national team, explained that the injury occurred during Chelsea's warm-weather training in Morocco.
'Doing a football action, she does every day—turning and shooting. Something very simple and innocuous,' she explained.
She dismissed the notion of discussing the increasing number of serious knee injuries in women's football, stating, 'This is not the moment to talk about how those things happen. They happen in the men's and women's game.'
'Sometimes, we have a confirmation bias around ACL injuries, but they happen in the sport regardless of why they happen.'
Kerr's injury is a significant blow to Chelsea's Women's Super League campaign as they aim for their fifth consecutive WSL title.
Kerr, who has scored an impressive 99 goals in 128 matches for the club, will be sorely missed on the field.
The injury also puts a hold on Kerr's dream of leading the Blues to their first Champions League victory.
Furthermore, she will miss Australia's Olympic qualifiers and, most likely, the Games themselves in Paris, should the Matildas qualify.
'The focus for Sam right now is on rehab. I'm sure when the time is right to discuss her future, that will come from Sam and the club—but Sam loves Chelsea, and Chelsea loves Sam, so I think that's the most important thing to say on that front,' Hayes said.
Despite the setback, Chelsea has begun preparing for their Women’s FA Cup title defence against West Ham, the London club featuring Matildas Katrina Gorry and Mackenzie Arnold, as well as Kerr’s partner Kristie Mewis.
'I know Sam would expect me to say nothing less—our focus now has to be on the players that are fit,' Hayes added.
'I trust in the squad we have, and we have added to that as well. The focus and the attention has to go on the players that are here.'
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