Photo reveals where Sam Kerr stands in her battle to be fit for the match against Denmark as key details about superstar striker’s training regime come to light
- Matildas will play in the knockout match against Denmark on Monday
- Players prepare for the clash in Queensland
- Confident that they can get the job done, with or without Kerr
Sam Kerr spent Friday’s training session on a stationary bike wearing sneakers rather than boots, but Matildas officials insist it is an essential part of her preparation to take to the pitch against Denmark.
And as a boost for the Matildas, defenseman Charlotte Grant was cleared to play Monday night despite a delayed concussion.
Kerr missed all three group matches for Australia, although officials benched her for the final do-or-die clash against Canada and were ready to use her if she was desperate.
Australia’s thumping 4-0 win over Canada meant Kerr was not needed and gave the Matildas skipper an extra six days to get her troublesome calf in order for Denmark.
Earlier, Kerr was limited to running laps around the training field due to her injury.
Kerr was demoted to an exercise bike during practice on Friday, but Matildas officials insist this is not a setback and it’s all part of the plan
The Matildas trained at the Queensland Sport and Athletics Center on Friday without their injured skipper Kerr
The players took part in some tough drills ahead of their World Cup round of 16 women’s knockout match against Denmark on Monday
There were encouraging signs at the Queensland Sport and Athletics Center on Thursday, however, as Kerr did ball work with teammates.
The fact that she was back on a stationary bike on Friday may seem like a setback, but Matildas officials told reporters it was “all part of the plan,” and goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold confirmed it was part of Kerr’s specialized program.
“She has her own individual plan that she’s doing with the doctor and physical therapist to get her ready to join the team,” Arnold said.
What she had to do, she looked like she was most comfortable, and she was in good spirits after the (session). So I assumed it was going well.’
Even if Kerr is available for Monday’s game against Denmark, it is unlikely she will be able to play the entire game due to her injury.
Her exact role will be kept secret for as long as possible, but Arnold said the rest of the roster had proven to have the firepower to blow Denmark off the field with or without their star striker.
“The world has now seen what we can do,” said Arnold.
“We always want Sam on the pitch and she’s a world class striker, but we’ve now shown that we have the depth and can play any combination up front that we can still score goals.
“If she plays, she plays, if not, she doesn’t. But we have our plan.’
Goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold (pictured celebrating with Kerr after beating Canada) said the Matildas showed they can beat the best in the world even without their biggest star
Defender Charlotte Grant suffered delayed concussion after Canada match but will be fit to take her place against Denmark
Matildas defender Clare Polkinghorne added: ‘She’s been great through everything.
“She always puts the team above herself, so from the start she was our biggest supporter and always helped where she could.
“While she hasn’t been able to help on the pitch yet, she’s definitely still a big part of this team and it’s definitely helped us get to where we are today.
“We’re really looking forward to having her back.”
While firepower may not be an issue, Australia will need to be alert in defense against a powerful Danish forward, including Paris Saint-Germain’s Amalie Vangsgaard and Bayern Munich star Pernille Harder.
Fortunately, Grant will be fit to play after concussion protocols have ruled her out of Matilda’s practice until Friday.