Sam Kerr Returns for Crucial Women's World Cup Clash with Canada

 Sam Kerr Returns for Crucial Women's World Cup Clash with Canada

Sam Kerr Returns for Crucial Women's World Cup(Image-Getty)

Australia's talismanic striker and captain, Sam Kerr, has revealed that she will be available to play in the pivotal Women's World Cup match against Olympic champions Canada on Monday. Kerr had been sidelined due to a calf injury, causing her to miss both Australia's opening 1-0 victory over Ireland in Sydney and the stunning 3-2 loss to Nigeria in Brisbane, which left their campaign hanging in the balance.

With Australia trailing behind Nigeria and Canada by one point in Group B, they must secure all three points in their final opening-round fixture against Canada to ensure a spot in the knockout rounds. The 29-year-old striker expressed optimism about her fitness, stating that she is "feeling good" and ready to contribute to the team's success. However, she remained coy about the specific role she would play on the field as determined by coach Tony Gustavsson at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium.

Kerr acknowledged the strategic importance of keeping the opposition guessing about her deployment. As Australia's all-time leading scorer with an impressive record of 63 goals in 121 internationals, it would be surprising if Gustavsson chose to leave her out of the starting lineup for such a crucial match.

Her injury had cast a shadow over Australia's opening win, witnessed by a massive crowd of 75,784 at Stadium Australia, and became a focal point of national interest following the defeat to Nigeria. Kerr reassured fans that the initial plan was always to miss the first two games and then reassess her condition.

Defender Ellie Carpenter also provided positive news, confirming that Mary Fowler, who filled in for Kerr against Ireland but missed the Nigeria game due to concussion, had completed training and was available for selection.

Despite being injured, Kerr remained an influential leader for the team, and her return to the pitch is seen as a massive boost for Australia. Her presence and world-class skills will undoubtedly strengthen the squad as they aim to secure a vital victory against Canada and progress to the knockout stages of the Women's World Cup.