Chelsea forward Sam Kerr has received her first Matildas call-up in two years. The talismanic striker has finally earned her long-awaited return to the Australian national squad after overcoming injury heartbreak and surgery. The Blues forward, who tore her ACL during a mid-season training camp in Morocco back in January 2024, has endured a gruelling 20-month road to recovery. But now, the 32-year-old icon has been named in Joe Montemurro’s Australia squad for their October friendlies against Wales and England, her first international call-up since late 2023.
Nearly 700 days of heartache and hope for Kerr
The injury that ripped her from the game came at the cruellest time. Kerr had been flying for club and country when disaster struck on Chelsea’s training pitch in Morocco. What followed was a nightmare no athlete ever wants to live, months of isolation, endless physiotherapy sessions, and the haunting doubt that she might never be the same again. She missed nearly two full campaigns, the latter half of 2023-24 and all of 2024-25, as well as the Paris Olympics. But Kerr refused to bow out quietly.
AdvertisementGOALRoaring back into action
In August, Chelsea confirmed she had resumed full training. By September, the miracle moment came, 634 days after her last competitive outing. Introduced off the bench against Aston Villa, Kerr didn’t just step onto the pitch; she scored. It wasn’t her flashiest finish, far from it. A messy scramble, a ricochet in the box, and there was Kerr, reacting first, stabbing the ball home from close range in stoppage time. But the eruption from her team-mates told the real story. Every ounce of pain and frustration from nearly two years of rehab vanished in that split second as the net bulged.
Australia's new era under Montemurro
This October marks another first for Kerr, her debut call-up under new Matildas boss Montemurro. The Australian coach, known for his days in charge of Arsenal and Juventus, hailed Kerr’s return as "a special moment" for the nation.
"Having Sam back in the squad is a special moment – not just for the team, but for Australian football," he said. "Her leadership and presence are invaluable as we continue building toward the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 and beyond. The team and my expectations in October are that we will continue to work hard, be humble and grow as a collective unit.
"We are excited to bring this group together for two important fixtures in the October window where we have the opportunity to challenge ourselves, strengthen our cohesion, and continue shape the way we play. The squad showcases the depth we are looking to build, by utilising experienced players who continue to set high standards alongside the next generation of Matildas players. It will be Australia’s first time competing against Wales and there is a competitive history with England, so both games will provide different challenges to test the team, our playing style and the way be play together."
However, one burning question remains: will Kerr reclaim the captain’s armband? During her absence, Steph Catley led the team with authority, earning praise for her composure and leadership. While the Matildas’ announcement didn’t clarify who would skipper the side in October, there’s no doubt Kerr’s influence will be felt regardless of who wears the armband.
Meanwhile, fan favourites Cortnee Vine and Katrina Gorry also make their returns. Meanwhile, the Matildas will have to do without Mary Fowler (ACL) and Tameka Yallop (hamstring), both sidelined with injuries.
Getty Images SportEyes on Wales and England
The Matildas’ first test comes on October 25, when they face Wales in Cardiff, a first-ever meeting between the two nations. Three days later, they’ll lock horns with European champions England in Derby, in what promises to be a fiery rematch of their 2023 World Cup semi-final showdown. That clash in Sydney, which ended in a 3-1 win for the Lionesses, shattered Aussie hearts but captivated a nation as it became one of the most-watched moments in Australian TV history. This time, with Kerr back in gold and green, revenge might just be on the menu.
