Sam Kerr ‘will be involved’ against Man City after 20 months out – Sonia Bompastor | OneFootball

Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor has confirmed Sam Kerr will be in Chelsea’s squad when they face Manchester City in the WSL opener on Friday night.

Kerr has not played any football in over 20 months after suffering an ACL injury in a training camp in Morocco in January 2024. Bompastor said while she is unsure if Kerr is ready to start, she is confident the Australian striker will be in contention.

Bompastor said: “She is in the squad. I’m not sure if she will start or not. She is in a good place, mentally in a good position.

“People want her on the pitch, she has experience, but has been away a long time so we have to be patient with her. But it is a good step for her to be in the squad.”

Kerr missed the Paris Olympics in 2024 with Australia due to the ailment, and has taken much longer to return than the usual nine to twelve months players are normally out for following an injury of this nature.

This is, however, her second ACL injury, and she wanted to be meticulous with her recovery and not rush back.

Kerr’s previous ACL was 13 years ago and she missed the London Olympics because of it. Speaking in September last year, the Australian captain said she was eyeing longevity.

“I mean, it’s my second ACL, so I know you need to take the time, you need to make sure it’s right and I’m doing everything I can. But there’s definitely no rush for me, I want to make sure I can play for many more years to come.”

Bompastor also confirmed striker Mayra Ramirez will be out with a hamstring injury until the New Year , while England duo Lauren James and Lucy Bronze will be out for “weeks”.

Ramirez had surgery on a hamstring injury which she sustained during Chelsea’s friendly against AC Milan last weekend.

The news has led to speculation that Chelsea could make a late bid for Angel City forward Alyssa Thompson, but Bompastor gave no further guidance.

She added: “There is always speculation. I said at the beginning of the week I wanted to focus on the game. We are facing a big opponent.

“I always said it is important to have quality and talent in the squad, and depth for all four competitions. If there are opportunities, we will be open to that.”

Chelsea will be aiming to win their seventh WSL title in a row this season, and will hope Kerr can play an important part.