Matildas Star Sam Kerr Ready for Comeback

Sam Kerr eyes return to Matildas Captaincy

Matildas star Sam Kerr is targeting a return to the pitch for Australia's Women's Asian Cup campaign in March, after a 20-month injury layoff. Kerr has expressed her desire to reclaim the captain's armband and lead the team to continental glory.

“I still feel really passionate about that, I know I have so much more to give this team in a leadership role...” 

Sam Kerr is eyeing a return to her leadership role as Matildas captain after a 20-month injury layoff. The Chelsea striker has been called back to the squad for Saturday's friendly against Wales in Cardiff, marking her return to the team after recovering from a ruptured ACL.

Kerr expressed her desire to reclaim the captain's armband, which was taken over by Steph Catley during her absence. “On being the captain, of course, I still feel really passionate about that,” Kerr said. “I know I have so much more to give for this team in a leadership role.” Kerr's sights are set on the Women's Asian Cup in March, where she aims to lead Australia to continental glory.

Just hours away from her first appearance for the Matildas in nearly two years, Sam Kerr says she loved the support from back home in Australia as she fought a prolonged injury battle.

Kerr suffered a ruptured ACL while on club duties with WSL side Chelsea in January 2024, but… pic.twitter.com/Iv1AKMdVpg

— 10 Sport (@10SportAU) October 25, 2025

The road to recovery hasn't been easy for Kerr, who suffered a setback during her rehab and underwent additional surgery. Despite the challenges, she's determined to get back to her best and is taking a cautious approach to her return. “I'm definitely not 90-minute fit,” Kerr admitted. “I think I've got about 70 minutes in me.” With the Asian Cup looming, Kerr is focused on regaining her fitness and form.

Kerr, who took a backseat as captain to Steph Catley during her absence, recently made headlines after being found not guilty of racially aggravated harassment of a police officer. The charge stemmed from an incident two years prior, during a night out in London.

STARTING XI 🗒

Here's how we line up for our game against Wales! 👊

🫡Sam Kerr is named to the Starting XI for the first time in 725 days
💯 Hayley Raso captains the side in her 100th cap#Matildas #WALvAUS pic.twitter.com/uncM4HC3F7

— CommBank Matildas (@TheMatildas) October 25, 2025

When asked about potentially regaining her leadership role, Kerr expressed her passion, saying, “Of course I still feel really passionate about that, I know I have so much more to give this team in a leadership role.” This statement underscores her desire to reclaim the captaincy and continue contributing to the team's success.

“This team here will make football decisions, and I feel football-wise I am one of the best leaders in the team, so I feel really passionate and proud that I've been in that position before and hopefully continue forward.”

Kerr, who welcomed a new addition to her family during her injury layoff, acknowledges it'll take time to regain her top form as one of the world's leading strikers. Instead of rushing back, the 32-year-old has set her sights on Australia's hosting of the Women's Asian Cup in March.

Kerr's target is to be fit for the tournament, where Australia aims to win the continental title for the first time since 2010. She's taking a cautious approach to her return, prioritizing her fitness and form over rushing back to the pitch.