Australia has officially confirmed that their talismanic captain Sam Kerr will miss the women’s Olympic soccer tournament at the Paris Games due to her recovery from a serious knee injury.
This announcement comes as a significant blow to the team’s hopes, given Kerr’s status as a pivotal player.
The Chelsea striker sustained an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during a training camp in Morocco in January, casting doubt on her availability for the Olympics.
The extent of the injury was serious enough to raise immediate concerns about her participation in Paris, and Football Australia (FA) has now ended all speculation.
In a recent squad announcement for Australia’s upcoming two-match home series against China, which begins in Adelaide on May 31, FA made it clear that Kerr would not be part of the roster.
“Attacker Amy Sayer (ACL) and forward Sam Kerr (ACL) remain on the sidelines with long-term injuries,” FA stated. “Kerr and Sayer will continue their rehabilitation programmes in their home club environments and subsequently will not be available for selection for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.”
The announcement also emphasized that the 23-woman squad named for the China series serves as a strong indicator of the final Olympic lineup. However, Australia coach Tony Gustavsson pointed out that some players who are currently omitted due to injuries, such as midfielders Katrina Gorry and Aivi Luik, could still be considered for the Olympic team.
“They most likely will be physically available to be part of an Olympic roster,” Gustavsson said, indicating that their recovery timelines are more favorable.
Gustavsson acknowledged the challenges ahead, stating, “This window will be a tough one for me and my staff in terms of evaluating players, where they are, and then the final selection process for Paris.
” He emphasized the importance of the upcoming matches in providing a clear picture of which players are in the best form and health to represent Australia at the Olympics.
Australia’s bid for their first Olympic medal in women’s soccer will be a significant storyline at the Paris Games, especially following their impressive run to the semi-finals of the Women’s World Cup held on home soil last year.
The absence of Kerr, who has been a central figure in the team, adds a layer of complexity to their campaign. Nonetheless, the squad’s depth and the potential return of other key players like Gorry and Luik could still position Australia as strong contenders.
The series against China will serve as a crucial test for the Matildas, offering insights into the team’s dynamics and readiness as they prepare for the Olympic stage.
With Kerr focusing on her recovery, the leadership mantle will likely fall on other experienced players, who will need to step up in her absence to guide the team through the upcoming challenges.
