Sam Kerr underwent mystery second surgery in recovery from ACL injury

It has emerged that injured Matildas captain Sam Kerr secretly underwent a second mystery surgery during recovery from her ACL tear.

Kerr is finally back to running after being sidelined for 16 months, a period which was extended, we now know, because of a second setback.

The specifics around the setback remain unclear, but new Matildas coach Joe Montemurro said it was unrelated to her ACL tear.

“Look, I think there was some complications and I’ve only caught up with the scenario in the last 24 hours,” he told Channel 10.

“There was a subsequent intervention, but I do believe she is now back running.

“I think it was something completely different (to the existing knee injury). I think the knee is fine.

“I think there was some other issues, but again, I’ve only been briefed in the last 24 hours.”

Former Socceroos striker Andy Harper said it would have been a tough pill to swallow for Kerr.

“This is really sad news for Sam on a personal and professional level,” he said before the Matildas’ 4-1 win over Argentina on Monday night.

“The frustration of being injured is bad enough; a long-term injury is even worse.

“And then to have this late hiccup, whatever its nature, that’s a significant mental hurdle over which she must prevail.”

Kerr was recently spotted at the A-League Women’s grand final in Melbourne, which raised questions.

“There were a few question marks when we saw her at the A-League Women’s grand final a few weeks ago, thinking, ‘What is she doing back in Australia? Is she ready to play? Isn’t she?’” former Matildas midfielder Grace Gill said.

“So, we hope to see her on the pitch as soon as possible, but certainly another surgery is a setback.”

Montemurro said he won’t make a decision on Kerr’s future as captain until she returns to play.

“My intention is to sit down with all the players, even the extended squad, and map out a process of what’s required to play the brand of football that we want to play from a physical and a mental perspective,” Montemurro said.

“You can get fit, you can get right tactically but then some players go through processes where (they ask) are they mentally prepared for a big tournament?

“Sam fits into that scenario where we’re just going to monitor and see where she’s at.

“Let’s get her fit then we’ll have those discussions (over the captaincy).”