Chelsea lose star forward Sam Kerr to ACL injury

In an unfortunate development for Chelsea Football Club and the Australian national team, star striker Sam Kerr has suffered a severe ACL injury during a training camp in Morocco.

Chelsea confirmed via a press release that Sam Kerr, their star striker, sustained an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during a warm-weather training camp in Morocco.

The club’s official statement read, “Chelsea Football Club can confirm striker Sam Kerr has sustained an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during our warm weather training camp in Morocco.

“Sam will be assessed by a specialist in the coming days and then begin her rehabilitation with the club’s medical team.

“The Australia international signed for the Blues in 2019 and has gone on to score 99 goals in 128 matches.

“She has played a pivotal role in four Women’s Super League title wins, three FA Cup triumphs, two Women’s League Cup victories, and the Women’s Community Shield in 2020. Everyone at Chelsea would like to wish Sam the very best for her recovery.”

The injury is a significant setback for Chelsea, given Kerr's role in their offensive strength. It raises concerns about the team's performance in ongoing competitions such as the Women’s Super League and the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

Kerr's absence is expected to be deeply felt at both the club and international levels, impacting the Australian national team's preparations for the upcoming Paris 2024 Summer Olympics​​​​.

Kerr will undergo an assessment by a specialist, followed by rehabilitation with Chelsea’s medical team. The recovery period for an ACL injury typically ranges from six to nine months, indicating Kerr might be sidelined until at least July 2024. This means she will miss the remainder of the 2023/24 Women’s Super League season and the UEFA Women’s Champions League​​.

Kerr's injury not only poses a challenge for Chelsea's current campaign in various competitions but also highlights the broader issues related to ACL injuries in women's sports, emphasising the importance of injury prevention and rehabilitation support for players​​.