Chelsea handed major boost ahead of Man City clash | OneFootball

Chelsea Women’s manager Sonia Bompastor has confirmed that Sam Kerr will return from a lengthy injury layoff for the opening match of the season against Man City.

The Australian striker has been out of action since rupturing her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in training in January 2024. Her last competitive appearance for the Blues came in late 2023.

Kerr has finally made a full recovery and will be included the squad for the Women’s Super League curtain raiser at Stamford Bridge on Friday evening.

Chelsea handed major Sam Kerr boost ahead of Man City clash

“Sam Kerr will be in the squad,” Bompastor said on Thursday. “She will be involved in the game. We don’t know yet if she will start or not. She’s in the squad and in a good place.

“She’s been training well and physically in a good position. She’s one of the players everyone wants to see on the pitch, and for me it’s nice to have her leadership and experience.

“At the same time, she’s been away from the pitch for a long time so we have to be patient. It’s normal not to be at the best level yet. Hopefully soon. It’s a good step for us that she’s in the squad.”

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However, Chelsea right-back Lucy Bronze is still “weeks away” from a return to action after playing through the European Championship with a broken leg.

“It’s difficult to put a timeframe on Lucy’s return but she’s doing well. She’s in a good place mentally and physically.

“Hopefully she will come back soon, but I think she’s still a few weeks away from a full return on the pitch.”

Chelsea have also lost Mayra Ramirez to injury on the eve of the new campaign. The Colombian striker has been ruled out until January after undergoing surgery on her hamstring.

“It’s sad for everyone, first of all for her. She has had successful surgery, which is positive, but she’s a really important player for us so it’s sad.

“You never want to be in that situation, but it happens. As a staff, we have to give her a speedy recovery. She’s a big loss for us.”

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