Sam Kerr Set for Chelsea Return After 20-Month Injury Layoff

Sam Kerr could finally make her long-awaited Chelsea return when the Women’s Super League kicks off on Friday, almost 20 months after her last appearance, Sport360NG reports.

The Australian forward has been sidelined since rupturing her anterior cruciate ligament during a training camp in January 2024. But manager Sonia Bompastor confirmed that the 31-year-old is part of the squad to face Manchester City in the opening fixture of the 2025-26 season.

Whether Kerr starts remains uncertain. “I’m not sure if she will start or not,” said Bompastor. “She is in a good place, mentally strong and ready. People are eager to see her back, but after so long away we have to manage her carefully. Still, being named in the squad is a really positive step.”

Kerr’s impact at Chelsea has been remarkable, scoring 58 goals in 75 WSL appearances and spearheading three consecutive title-winning campaigns under former boss Emma Hayes between 2020 and 2023. However, her absence last season meant she played no part in Bompastor’s debut year, when the Blues claimed a domestic treble and completed an unbeaten 22-game league run.

Her return comes at a crucial time for Chelsea, with several senior players sidelined. Striker Mayra Ramirez will not feature again until the new year following hamstring surgery, while England duo Lucy Bronze and Lauren James are also out after injuries sustained at Euro 2025.

Bronze revealed after the final that she had been playing with a fractured shin, while James was forced off in the first half of England’s win over Spain with an ankle problem.

Bompastor, who congratulated Lionesses coach Sarina Wiegman on England’s triumph, said she could not criticise either player for carrying on. “I was a player too, I would have done the same,” she admitted. “But it’s not ideal to lose two players of that calibre. We can’t yet put an exact timeframe on their return, but it will be at least a few weeks.”

The Chelsea boss also praised James for speaking openly about the criticism and racist abuse she feared after her missed penalty at the Euros. “Lauren is brave, and she’s not the only one in the squad willing to raise important issues,” Bompastor said. “I’m proud of my players when they take that stand.”