Sam Kerr, the prolific Australian forward, is poised to make her highly anticipated return from injury as Chelsea faces Manchester City in the Women’s Super League this Sunday. Kerr had been sidelined due to a nagging calf injury that has troubled her since the Women’s World Cup, causing her to miss Chelsea’s opening day victory over Tottenham. However, Emma Hayes, Chelsea’s manager, has confirmed that Kerr is back in full training and available for selection in the upcoming clash against Manchester City.
Kerr’s impressive track record at Chelsea speaks volumes about her significance to the team, having netted an astounding 86 goals in 110 appearances for the Blues. Her return to the squad adds another layer of firepower to an already formidable Chelsea lineup.
During her pre-match press conference, Hayes revealed, “She’s back in full training. For Sam, she’s never perfect, she always wants a little bit more, but she’s available for selection.” This news is sure to excite Chelsea fans and raise expectations for the upcoming match.
In addition to Kerr, Fran Kirby, who made her first appearance for Chelsea since February, is also available for selection. However, Hayes remained tight-lipped about whether Kirby would start against Manchester City, stating, “We’ll make that decision today (Friday) once we analyze training and speak with the medical team.”
The injury list for Chelsea is relatively short, with Catarina Macario and Katerina Svitkova being the notable absentees due to long-term injuries. Despite these setbacks, Chelsea seems determined to maintain its strong performance in the Women’s Super League.
Manchester City, Chelsea’s upcoming opponent, began their season with a convincing 2-0 win over West Ham and is considered one of the favorites to challenge for the WSL title. Hayes acknowledged the challenge that City poses, emphasizing their cohesion, confidence, and attacking prowess.
Hayes remarked, “They’re a team that can build up with good width, low full-backs, inverted full-backs, they’ve got good variety in their play. They’ve got a player in (Yui) Hasegawa at the base of their midfield who’s been pivotal to their success.” She also highlighted key players like Lauren Hemp, Chloe Kelly, and Bunny Shaw, who contribute to City’s offensive strength.
The return of Sam Kerr offers Chelsea the opportunity to sharpen its attack and send a message to their rivals. Chelsea had 21 shots against Tottenham in their previous match, and Kerr’s presence is expected to improve their efficiency in front of goal. With Erin Cuthbert also set to return to the squad, Chelsea is determined to showcase their depth and potential.
However, the buildup to the match has also been marked by discussions surrounding VAR and goal-line technology in women’s football. Hayes expressed her frustration, stating, “It’s ludicrous and embarrassing” that these technologies are not yet integrated into the women’s game. She called for consistency and highlighted the need to streamline officiating with technology.
