Matildas superstar Sam Kerr is set to be sidelined until February or March 2025 as her ACL recovery takes longer than originally expected

The 31-year-old succumbed to her anterior crucial ligament injury in January 2024 and subsequently missed the second half of the Blues’ season in England and Australia’s run at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

“I’m not putting a date on my return, just making sure I get it right and making sure I feel good before I get back on the pitch.

“I mean, it’s my second ACL, so I know you need to take the time, you need to make sure it’s right and I’m doing everything I can.

“But there’s definitely no rush for me, I want to make sure I can play for many more years to come.”

ACL returns vary drastically, with some stars taking as little as nine months and others extending out to 14-month injuries, but the average return-to-play sits at about 12 months.

Unfortunately, Kerr has seemingly suffered some setbacks with Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor revealing in early December the Aussie won’t be back on the pitch for some time yet.

“I would say Sam we are looking to maybe have back with us February, March, not before that,” Bompastor said.

“She didn’t start yet to train, even being modified with the group, so she’s still on her individual process rehab and I think it will take at least two or three more months for her to be fit enough to be with the squad.”

Whenever she does return to the pitch, one thing is certain – Kerr’s first goal back will mark her 100th strike for Chelsea.

The former A-League Women’s star, who joined the Blues outfit in early 2020, has helped her side lift numerous trophies and wants to do the same upon her return.

“I would love to hit the ground running,” Kerr told the BBC podcast.

“But I’m lucky, my first goal’s going to be my 100th goal. So I’m going to get that feeling and it’s going to be such an amazing moment, scoring 100 goals for Chelsea will be an amazing achievement for me.

“It’s nice for me coming back from an ACL injury that my first goal will be so special. So I’m excited