Chelsea star returns to squad after 20 months out injured

Chelsea fans finally have something to cheer about as Sam Kerr makes her long-awaited return after nearly two years on the sidelines.

The Australian forward, sidelined since suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury in January 2024, has been named in coach Sonia Bompastor’s squad ahead of their Women’s Super League clash with Manchester City.

Kerr’s absence has been one of the longest injury spells endured by a major WSL star in recent memory. The 31-year-old damaged her ACL during a warm-weather training camp in Morocco last year, ruling her out for the entirety of Chelsea’s double-winning campaign.

Before the injury, Kerr was a relentless goalscorer, averaging nearly 30 strikes a season and bagging 99 goals in 128 appearances since joining the Blues in 2019.

Her haul includes five league titles, three FA Cups, and two League Cups, underlining her status as one of the most decorated players in English football.

A two-time Golden Boot winner and 2023 Ballon d’Or runner-up, Kerr’s return is being welcomed as more than just a boost in attack.

While Kerr’s return to the squad is being celebrated, coach Sonia Bompastor has cautioned fans not to expect instant fireworks.

“Sam is in a good place. She’s been training well, she’s physically in a good position, and she’s also mentally in a good place,” Bompastor said, stressing that patience will be key after such a long layoff.

She added that Kerr may not yet be at her best level, but her presence alone lifts the squad, particularly with her leadership and football intelligence.

Bompastor described Kerr as “a really smart footballer” whose timing and runs are instinctive and whose experience cannot be taught.

Whether she starts or comes off the bench, Chelsea will treat her return as a symbolic step forward and proof that one of the club’s biggest icons is ready to write another chapter in her remarkable career.