Sam Kerr ruled out of Ireland, Nigeria clash due to calf injury

Australia superstar, Samantha Kerr, has been ruled out of their first two opening games in the 2023 Women’s World Cup following a calf injury during Matchday day one training.

Kerr will miss the co-hosts’ opening game against the Republic of Ireland at Stadium Australia on Thursday. The Chelsea superstar will also be absent against Nigeria’s Super Falcons on 27 July. She will now hope to be fit  for Australia’s final match in the Group Stage, against Canada on 31 July.

The 29-year-old Australia’s all-time leading goalscorer took to her Instagram page to share the news: “Unfortunately I sustained a calf injury yesterday in training. I wanted to share this with everyone so there is no distraction from us doing what we came here to achieve. 

“Of course I would have loved to have been out there tonight but I can’t wait to be a part of this amazing journey which starts now.” 

She had shown a little sign of injury worry after speaking at the pre-match conference on Wednesday evening after her team’s final training session ahead of their Opening game. She said Australia was ready to take the stage and would be ready for any battle.

With 63 goals in 120 appearances for Australia, she has been immensely important for the country while also being successful at the club level.

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