Will Sam Kerr make her return for Chelsea against Aston Villa this weekend? | OneFootball

Sam Kerr hasn’t featured for Chelsea since January 2024

Sam Kerr hasn’t played for Chelsea since January 2024 but her return to action could be just around the corner for Sonia Bompastor’s team.

The Australian star featured on the bench last week for Chelsea but was an unused substitute.

Is Sam Kerr fit to play?

After Sonia Bompastor teased the return of Sam Kerr before Chelsea’s season opener, many fans were disappointed to not see their superstar striker make a return to the field.

Kerr instead spent the whole game on the bench but it her return came on an afternoon that the Blues didn’t need her.

Chelsea were able to see off Manchester City 2-1 to kick off their campaign as they remained unbeaten in the league for the 26th game in row.

With another week to rest for Kerr, there is a chance that Australia’s all-time top scorer could feature against Aston Villa on Sunday.

Kerr has returned to full training with Chelsea and it would be a big disappointment to see her not feature at least as a sub.

Speaking after returning to training last week, Kerr said she “can’t wait to get back to scoring goals” after spending 19 months on the sideline with a knee injury.

Aggie Beever-Jones an ideal replacement?

While Chelsea will have been disappointed that Kerr didn’t feature against Manchester City, it was one of the club’s youngest stars who shone in her place.

Aggie Beever-Jones was a crucial part of England’s Euro 2025 success and she continued last season’s form into the WSL this year.

After scoring the winner against Liverpool and Chelsea’s final WSL goal last season, the 22-year-old scored Chelsea’s first goal of the 2025/26 campaign on Friday.

Her early goal against City means that Beever-Jones has scored in 74% of her starts for the Blues since making her debut.

The English forward scored 20 league goals over the past two years and after a quick start to this season she will be keen to keep her spot over the returning Kerr.