BRISBANE, Australia (AP) — Sam Kerr will return to the Australian squad for the first time since 2023 for a friendly against England and Wales later this month.
The star striker returned to Chelsea last month after an extended spell recovering from injury. ACL injury It was maintained at the London-based club’s training in January 2024.
She scored her 100th goal for Chelsea in her comeback game and is now gearing up for a return to international football with the Australian Matildas.
“Having Sam back with us is a special moment, not only for our team but for Australian football,” Matildas coach Joe Montemurro said in a statement on Friday. “Her leadership and presence will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 and beyond.”
The Australians face Wales in Cardiff on October 25, before facing England in a derby three days later.
Kerr, 32, is gradually returning to playing for Chelsea. she participated Matilda training camp Although I won’t be able to play in April.
The Matildas confirmed in a social media post that Kerr had returned to the team for the match. After 692 days.
Kerr missed most of the Women’s World Cup Australia will co-host with New Zealand in 2023 and last played for the Matildas in Perth in November of that year in an Olympic qualifier against Taiwan.
Courtney Vine and Katrina Gorey were also recalled to the 24-player squad. Mary Fowler and Tameka Yallop were not considered due to injury.
“This is Australia’s first time playing Wales and we have played England before, so both games will be different challenges to test the team, our style of play and how we come together,” Montemurro said.
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