Sam Kerr is OUT of Australia’s first two World Cup matches after Matildas superstar suffered a calf injury in training
Sam Kerr has been ruled out of Australia’s first World Cup match and their second group stage matches after a calf injury.
The news comes as a huge blow to the Matildas, with Kerr both their captain and star striker.
The Chelsea attacker was filmed smiling as she got off the team bus and walked into the dressing room, but was not named in the match squad for the game against Ireland.
Kerr posted on Instagram: “Unfortunately I suffered a calf injury in training yesterday.
“I wanted to share this with everyone so there is no distraction from what we came here to accomplish.
Sam Kerr has been banned from Australia’s first two World Cup matches
The Matildas superstar injured her calf during training in Australia on Wednesday
“Of course I would have loved to be there tonight, but I can’t wait to be a part of this amazing journey that starts now. Sam.”
Matildas’ official Twitter account said Kerr will also miss their second game with Nigeria on July 27.
“Sam will not be available for the next two matches with the Matildas Medical Team to reassess her after our second group match.”
Australia’s final group game will be against Canada on July 31.
There were telltale signs that something was up with the Chelsea star when fans failed to see her at Australia’s team walk in Sydney on Thursday morning.
Kerr’s teammate at the Matildas, Elise Kellond-Knight, said she is heartbroken for the superstar player after the shocking news.
“My heart really breaks for Sammy,” said Kellond-Knight, who is tending to her own Achilles tendon injury, on Channel Seven. “I know she wants to be there, I know she wants to be a part of these two games.
Fortunately, there are still 22 players in this team. The team isn’t just Sam Kerr. We saw that on Friday night, so I think we can all be really confident going into this game with a lot more chances where we’re going to create some really good attacks.
“I think the average fan will be shocked there. I mean, a lot of people only know Sam Kerr from the Matildas, but I can guarantee you there are a lot of superstars on this team and I don’t think we have to worry about getting into this game.
“We have so much depth. In any case, it’s great that we can let Sam rest and afford to put her on the sidelines and then look at our other players and create our attacks through those players.’