Sam Kerr, the captain of Australia, has declared herself healthy enough to play in the co-hosts’ crucial Women’s World Cup match against Canada on Monday.
Following a calf injury, Australia captain Sam Kerr has proclaimed herself available for the co-hosts’ crucial Women’s World Cup match against Canada on Monday. The prolific striker missed their first two games, in which Australia defeated the Republic of Ireland 1-0 but fell to Nigeria 3-2, ending their hopes of making it to the round of 16. The standout player for Australia told reporters in Brisbane, “I am going to be there, and I am going to be ready,” but she would not specify what role she will play.
The Chelsea player stated, “I feel good, the plan has always been the same — miss the first two games and then reassess.”
I was as excellent as I could be today when I was on the pitch, so I feel happy.
Although Kerr, 29, would not say how long she would be allowed to play, Australia supporters will be hoping against hope that she can start the match in Melbourne against Olympic champions Canada.
Following their shocking loss to Nigeria, Tony Gustavsson’s team needed to defeat Canada to guarantee they wouldn’t be eliminated from their home tournament in the group stage.
“It will come down to the wire. I will be available, but the opposition will not be informed of how we will use it.
The co-hosts have been severely hampered by Kerr’s absence since she sustained a calf injury the night before her team’s first game.
For the Nigeria game on Thursday, which Mary Fowler also missed because to a concussion, they were down to the bare essentials in attack.
“I have never in my career experienced an injury like this. Touch wood, this is the final one,” Kerr continued.
It was clearly disappointing, but I had to put up with it. I’ve done that because I’m a member of a team and it’s not about me.
After witnessing Keira Walsh leave the field on a stretcher with what appeared to be a devastating knee injury during England’s game against Denmark on Friday, she tried to put the incident into perspective.
As Kerr pointed out, “I look around women’s football right now and I am lucky it is only a minor injury compared to some other people, you look at Keira Walsh last night.”
There is always someone who is worse off, even though it kind of stinks.
Kerr continued, saying it has been challenging for her to adjust to her new position as a team supporter.
When it’s beyond my control, she said, she becomes considerably more tense while sitting on the bench.
In the Group B championship match, Canada will advance with a draw.
Australia would only be satisfied with a draw if Nigeria lost to Ireland at the same time and the Matildas’ goal differential changed in their favour.
