Sam Kerr set to start season with Chelsea, opens up on her aims after long injury lay-off

Sam Kerr has vowed to return to the top of the goalscoring lists in England as the Matildas captain prepares for a playing comeback more than 18 months in the making.

The superstar striker is set to start the new Women’s Super League season with Chelsea next month having recovered from the ACL injury she suffered during a training camp in January 2024.

She’s just one goal short of reaching 100 for her club, having scored 99 before being cut down with injury.

It’s been a protracted rehab that has kept her away from national duties, but her comeback looms as crucial for the Asian Cup chances of the Matildas when the tournament is played in Australia next March.

Speaking with Chelsea media at a training camp in the Netherlands, Kerr expressed her strong desire to do what she has always done when she gets back on the pitch.

“My contribution is goals; it’s as simple as that,” she said.

“For the last however many years, I’ve been within the top goalscorers, if not the top goalscorer in the team, and that’s where I want to come back to. I’ve got high expectations of myself.

“I have a lot of confidence in my ability, so the contribution for me is straightforward. It’s goals. That’s what I’m here to do, and that’s what I normally do, so there’s no reason why I can’t do it again.”

In what was her first interview since returning to training, Kerr said she had been “alone a lot” during her recovery, having also become a mother during her lay-off.

“During an injury, you’re alone a lot,” Kerr said.

“So it’s good to be back with the girls, just doing the same training sessions as them rather than solitary rehab sessions. Being in camp like this helps you get to know all the new faces.

“It’s nice to be back with the girls, back on the pitch, and I’m excited. I’m most looking forward to being out there, scoring goals and having fun. Getting back to normal and being with the team is great, too.”

Kerr will have a familiar face on her team when she returns to action after Chelsea signed her Matildas teammate Ellie Carpenter, whom she has helped settle into the club and life in London.

“I’ve felt at home at Chelsea regardless of whether there was another Aussie here or not, but it’s nice to have someone to chat to about things from home that maybe the other girls would have no idea about,” she said.

“She’s a great player and a great athlete.

“Chelsea’s about winning, so I think everything we do here is about winning – from the standards at the training ground to what we do on the pitch. When you come to a club like Chelsea, sometimes that can be a culture shock.

“With new players, it’s just about guiding them, but honestly, when I came here, I enjoyed it straight away because people just made me feel welcome and comfortable. With my personality and who I am as a leader, my role is to make the girls feel the same way and make sure they’re enjoying themselves.

“People can perform at their very best when they’re happy, comfortable and feel a part of the team.”

Chelsea’s first match of the new season will be against rivals Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on Friday, September 5.