Sam Kerr Injury Update: What Happened to Sam Kerr?
by Aishwarya R
Updated Jul 20, 2023
Who is Sam Kerr?
Sam Kerr is the fearless warrior of Australian soccer, is a force to be reckoned with on the field. With her unyielding passion and determination, she has carved her name into the annals of history as one of the greatest forwards in women's soccer. As she dons the iconic blue of Chelsea in the FA Women's Super League and proudly represents the Matildas on the international stage, Kerr's prowess knows no bounds.
The captain's armband adorns her arm, a symbol of her leadership and unwavering commitment to her team. Her records speak volumes of her extraordinary talent. As of 2022, she stands tall as the all-time leading scorer for Australia, leaving an indelible mark on the country's soccer legacy. Across the seas, in the hallowed grounds of the United States, she dominates the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), with a goal-scoring prowess unmatched by any other.
Her Golden Boot victories in three different leagues on three different continents stand as a testament to her global dominance – a feat no other female player has achieved. But it's not just her accomplishments that set her apart. It's the passion that ignites within her with every touch of the ball, the fire that fuels her desire to excel, and the relentless pursuit of victory that makes her a true inspiration.
With every goal she scores, she lights up the hearts of her fans and leaves a trail of awe in her wake. Her presence on the pitch electrifies the atmosphere, and the anticipation of her next move is palpable. Sam Kerr's journey is not just about individual brilliance; it's about blazing a trail for future generations of soccer stars. Her determination and passion inspire young players to dream big, to push boundaries, and to believe that anything is possible.
As she continues to create history and shatter records, Sam Kerr's legacy is etched in the stars. Her name will forever be synonymous with excellence, perseverance, and the unyielding spirit of a true soccer legend.
Sam Kerr Injury Update
As of the latest update, Matildas captain Sam Kerr has been ruled out of the team's first two World Cup matches due to a calf injury. The injury occurred during a training session on Wednesday, and despite her presence at the pre-match press conference alongside coach Tony Gustavsson, Kerr gave no indication of the setback. The news of her absence came as a surprise when the team sheets were released just an hour before the opening match against Ireland.
Mary Fowler has been selected to start as the forward alongside Caitlin Foord in Kerr's absence. With the captain sidelined, vice-captain Steph Catley has been given the responsibility of leading the team during this period. The injury has posed a significant challenge for Coach Gustavsson and the players, as they will now have to adjust their strategies without their star player.
Kerr expressed her disappointment at not being able to play in a message on Instagram, where she informed fans about the calf injury and emphasized her commitment to supporting the team throughout the World Cup journey. Her absence is a major blow to the Matildas' preparations, as she is one of their most reliable goal-scorers and a key player in their lineup.
Facing Ireland in their opening match, the Matildas will have to cope without their best player against a defensive-minded team expected to counter-attack. The absence of Kerr might give Ireland confidence, knowing they won't have to contend with Australia's top scorer.
The team's medical staff will re-assess Kerr's condition after the second match against Nigeria, which means there is no guarantee of her recovery in time for their third group game against Canada on July 31 in Melbourne. This uncertainty adds further pressure to the squad's attacking line, with players like Fowler and Foord now tasked with leading the charge.
Additionally, two other players, Tameka Yallop and Kyah Simon, are also dealing with injuries, while defender Charli Grant has had an interrupted lead-up due to illness. These health concerns present additional challenges for the Matildas as they aim to progress through the tournament.
As the team navigates through the opening matches without their captain, the hope is for a swift recovery for Sam Kerr, potentially allowing her to return for the later stages of the World Cup, provided the Matildas advance to the round of 16. Until then, the team will have to rally together and rely on their collective strength to overcome the absence of their star player.
What Happened to Sam Kerr?
Matildas captain Sam Kerr sustained a calf injury during a training session on Wednesday, just before the team's World Cup opening matches. Despite the injury, she didn't show any signs of the setback during the pre-match press conference with coach Tony Gustavsson ahead of the opening game against Ireland.
The news of her injury emerged when the team sheets were released an hour before the kick-off, revealing that Kerr would be on the bench and not playing in the first two matches. The extent of the injury and its severity have not been detailed in the given information. Kerr took to Instagram to share the news with her fans, expressing her disappointment at not being able to take the field but emphasizing her commitment to supporting the team during their World Cup journey.
Mary Fowler has been chosen to replace Kerr in the starting lineup, playing as a forward alongside Caitlin Foord. The vice-captain, Steph Catley, has been given the captain's armband in Kerr's absence. The injury has disrupted the Matildas' preparations for the tournament, as they will now have to face their opening matches without their captain and one of their most reliable goal-scorers.
The timeline for Kerr's recovery remains uncertain, and her condition will be re-assessed after the second match against Nigeria. This means there is no guarantee of her availability for the third group game against Canada on July 31 in Melbourne. The Matildas will have to cope with her absence and find alternative strategies to achieve success in the tournament.
In addition to Sam Kerr, there are other injury concerns within the squad, with players like Tameka Yallop, Kyah Simon, and defender Charli Grant also dealing with various injuries and illness. The team's medical staff will closely monitor their conditions as well.
As the Matildas enter the World Cup without their captain, the pressure will be on the remaining players, particularly Mary Fowler and Caitlin Foord, to lead the attacking line effectively. The hope is for Sam Kerr's swift recovery, potentially allowing her to return for the later stages of the tournament if the Matildas progress to the round of 16. Until then, the team will have to rally together, stay focused on their goals, and support one another in their pursuit of success in the World Cup.
Sam Kerr Career in Previous Worldcups
Throughout her illustrious career, Sam Kerr has left an indelible mark on the world stage during various FIFA Women's World Cup tournaments. From her early debut at the age of 17 to leading her team as captain in the 2019 tournament and beyond, Kerr's performances have been nothing short of exceptional.
Her first taste of World Cup action came in 2011, where she showcased her talent and fearlessness on the field as one of the youngest players in the squad. Though Australia made it to the knockout stage, they were defeated by Sweden in the quarter-finals. Kerr's impressive display at such a young age laid the foundation for what was to come.
In the 2015 World Cup held in Canada, Kerr faced a setback with a knee injury just months before the tournament. Her determination and hard work paid off as she made it to the squad and played an essential role as the starting striker. She scored a goal against Nigeria and helped secure a spot in the knockout stage, where Australia achieved a historic victory against Brazil. Kerr's exceptional performance and the team's success in reaching the quarter-finals left a lasting impact.
In 2019, Sam Kerr was handed the captain's armband, leading the Matildas in the FIFA Women's World Cup held in France. She made her mark with a memorable goal against Italy, a celebration dedicated to the legendary Tim Cahill, the all-time leading goalscorer for the Socceroos. Throughout the tournament, Kerr's scoring prowess was on full display, notching five goals, including a remarkable four-goal haul against Jamaica – the first Australian footballer to achieve a World Cup hat-trick.
Kerr's journey continued at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, held in 2021 due to the pandemic. As captain, she displayed immense leadership and skill, leading her team to the semi-finals with impressive performances against New Zealand and Great Britain. She further solidified her status as the all-time leading scorer for the Matildas during the bronze medal match against the United States, surpassing Lisa De Vanna with 48 international goals.
In the 2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup, Kerr's goal-scoring prowess was on full display once again. She scored an incredible five goals in Australia's opening match against Indonesia, breaking the Australian international goal-scoring record previously held by Tim Cahill. Her remarkable performance earned her the Golden Boot in the tournament, further cementing her status as one of the world's greatest forwards.
As the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup approaches, there is no doubt that Sam Kerr will once again be a key player for the Matildas. Her passion, dedication, and exceptional talent continue to shine on the world stage, inspiring fans and fellow players alike. Leading her team as captain, she will undoubtedly leave her mark on the tournament, adding more chapters to her incredible World Cup journey.
Sam Kerr Early Life
Born in East Fremantle, a suburb of Perth, Western Australia, Samantha Kerr comes from a sporting family. Her father, Roger Kerr, was a professional Australian rules football player with a unique heritage – he was born in Calcutta to an English father, a featherweight boxer, and an Indian mother who excelled in basketball. On the other side, her mother's family has its own sporting legacy, with her father and uncle being professional footballers, and another uncle being a champion jockey who won the prestigious Melbourne Cup in 1966.
Surprisingly, soccer wasn't always Kerr's first love. She initially played Australian rules football, much like her father and older brother, Daniel Kerr, who were both professional players in the sport. It wasn't until the age of 12 that she switched to association football due to certain gender restrictions. At that young age, her skills were raw and unpolished, but her athleticism caught the attention of Perth Glory striker Bobby Despotovski, who saw immense potential in her talent.
Despite facing challenges while transitioning from Australian rules football to association football, Kerr's exceptional athletic abilities shone through, and at the age of 13, she was discovered by Despotovski. Her journey in soccer began to take shape, and at just 15 years old, she made her debut in both the W-League and on the international stage, marking the beginning of what would become an illustrious career.
Sam Kerr Girlfriend
Sam Kerr's girlfriend is American soccer player Kristie Mewis. Kristie Anne Mewis, born on February 25, 1991, is a talented midfielder who currently plays for Gotham FC in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) and represents the United States national team. Growing up in Hanson, Massachusetts, Kristie attended Whitman-Hanson Regional High School, where she showcased her skills on the soccer team.
During her high school career, she achieved remarkable statistics with 74 goals and 34 assists. Her outstanding performances earned her several accolades, including being named a three-time NSCAA All-American, three-time All-New England, and All-Massachusetts team honoree. Kristie was also recognized as a three-time Eastern Massachusetts Girls Soccer Association Div. 1 First-Team All-Star.
Her exceptional talent didn't go unnoticed, and in 2008, she was honored with the NSCAA Youth Player of the Year award and the US Soccer Young Female Athlete of the Year award. The following year, she earned a spot on the prestigious Parade All-America team. Kristie Mewis' soccer journey continued to flourish as she represented the Region 1 Olympic Development Program (ODP) team from 2003 to 2007.
She even had the opportunity to play alongside her younger sister, Sam Mewis, in significant international tournaments like the 2008 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup and the 2010 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup. It's clear that both Sam Kerr and Kristie Mewis have had remarkable soccer careers, each leaving a lasting impact on the sport.
As talented athletes, they share a passion for the game, and their relationship serves as an inspiring example of two successful soccer players coming together in a shared journey of love and sport. Their partnership adds another dimension to their captivating stories and serves as a celebration of love and dedication both on and off the field.
Sam Kerr Injury Update - FAQs
As of now, the latest update on Sam Kerr's injury is that she sustained a calf injury during a training session. This injury has ruled her out of the Matildas' first two World Cup matches.
Sam Kerr suffered the calf injury during a training session on Wednesday, as reported by Football Australia.
Sam Kerr's injury has derailed the Matildas' perfect World Cup preparations at the eleventh hour. Her absence in the team's first two matches poses a significant challenge for the squad.
Football Australia has mentioned that Sam Kerr's condition will be re-assessed after the Nigeria match. This suggests that her return to play for the third game against Canada is not guaranteed, and further updates will be provided based on her recovery progress.
In Sam Kerr's absence, Mary Fowler has been selected to start up front alongside Caitlin Foord. Vice-captain Steph Catley has been handed the captain's armband in Kerr's absence.