Sam Kerr is poised to make her long-awaited return for Chelsea on Friday night after 20 months out because of a serious knee injury, when the Women’s Super League season gets under way.
The Chelsea head coach, Sonia Bompastor, said on Thursday that the Australia striker would be in her squad when the defending champions host Manchester City at Stamford Bridge.
Kerr has not played for Chelsea competitively since rupturing an anterior cruciate ligament in January 2024 and missed the whole of last season as her club won a domestic treble.
“Sam Kerr is in the squad, so she will be involved in the game,” Bompastor said. “We don’t know yet if she will start or not, but yes, she is in the squad, she’s in a good place. She’s been training well. She’s mentally and physically in a good position.”
Kerr’s return could be timely after Mayra Ramírez had surgery on a hamstring injury that will sideline her for a lengthy spell. Chelsea are also without the England right-back Lucy Bronze, who played through a fractured tibia during Euro 2025.
