Sam Kerr not expected to return from injury before February 2025, says Chelsea coach Bompastor

Sam Kerr not expected to return from injury before February 2025, says Chelsea coach Bompastor

Injured Chelsea striker Sam Kerr is not expected to play until February next year, coach Sonia Bompastor said during a press conference on Friday.

Australian international Kerr tore her Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) during the Women’s Super League (WSL) club’s warm-weather training camp in Morocco last January and had to undergo surgery for the same.

“We are maybe looking at having her back with us in February or March – not before that,” said the 44-year-old Bompastor, who took over the reigns from Emma Hayes as the head coach of the current WSL champion at the start of this season.

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

Kerr, 31, has scored 99 goals in 128 matches for Chelsea. Despite her absence, Chelsea has won all of its 12 matches across WSL and the Women’s Champions League this season.

Lauren James, who is recovering from a calf injury, could return in January. “LJ is progressing really well with her rehab. She’s in a good position mentally. I think it will be difficult to see LJ before the end of the year, but we still have a small hope of that. We’ll see but I’m more expecting her to play with us in January,” said Bompastor.

Back from international break, Chelsea hosts Brighton and Hove Albion in a WSL clash at Kingsmeadow on Sunday.

(With inputs from AP)