Chelsea star Sam Kerr is doing everything she can to return to action for Australia at the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
Kerr missed Australia’s opening group game victory over Ireland with a calf injury and is unlikely to return for their match against Nigeria on Thursday.
Despite Kerr’s absence, online bookmakers rate Australia as one of the favourites to get their hands on the prestigious trophy on home soil.
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However, the Australian squad are confident they can deliver a winning return for punters, regardless of when Kerr is fit to return to action.
While their victory over Ireland was hard-fought, it put them in pole position to qualify after Canada and Nigeria laboured to a goalless draw in their match.
Australia showcased their talents to perfection earlier this year, deservedly defeating European champions England in a friendly in April.
While the media have been hyping up England’s chances of winning the World Cup, Australia have gone under the radar.
Their team against England featured nine players who would did not play in the 2019 Women’s World Cup, demonstrating how things have changed under head coach Tony Gustavsson.
With Kerr currently sidelined, additional pressure has been placed on Arsenal forward Caitlin Foord to deliver the goods for Australia.
Foord told World Cup broadcaster Optus Sport that the team are confident they can cope without Kerr, but has backed the star striker to return to action soon.
“Sam being Sam, she wanted the focus to be on the team and not about her,” Foord said.
“She’s just doing everything possible to be in the best condition for when she does step back on the pitch.”
There has been plenty of speculation about the nature of Kerr’s injury, which was heightened when midfielder Kyra Cooney-Cross spoke to the press on Monday.
Cooney-Cross claimed Kerr had torn her calf, but team officials were quick to clarify her comments were incorrect.
However, the lack of any further updates about Kerr’s condition is unlikely to prevent people from speculating about her participation at the tournament.
A victory over Nigeria on Thursday would guarantee Australia’s place in the last-16 and ease the clamour to see Kerr return to action.
Australia’s final group game is against Canada next Monday, and their round of 16 match is scheduled for August 7 if they make it through.
While Kerr will undoubtedly be desperate to feature at the tournament, Australia are unlikely to take any risks with her fitness.
They have prepared well for the World Cup and having home advantage will help to lift the team in Kerr’s absence.
While the nation is desperate to see Kerr return to the starting XI, her long-term fitness must be factored into the equation.
If Kerr is anything less than fully fit, Australia simply cannot afford to gamble by putting her back into the firing line at the Women’s World Cup.