'It's difficult': Chelsea coach Sonia Bompastor's telling hint Sam Kerr's may not return this season
Sam Kerr may not return in Chelsea colours before the end of the Women's Super League season as coach Sonia Bompastor confirms her striker is not near match fitness.
Kerr has been training and travelling with Chelsea in recent weeks as she continues her rehabilitation program in a bid to return to the action at club level on a weekly basis.
Her rehabilitation progress saw Kerr return in a non-playing capacity to the Matildas recent camp, though no timeframe was given as to when she would be back on field.
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Interim coach Tom Sermanni has continued to reiterate that he will not risk fielding Kerr on the international stage until the green light is given by Chelsea.
"It was really important for her [to return to Australian camp]," the Chelsea coach said.
Mackenzie Arnold and Sam Kerr at International Friendly between Australia and Korea Republic. Getty
"First of all, mentally, because she had the chance to be around the national team and also she could see her family which is really nice to have the opportunity to do."
Chelsea are set to endure a heavy schedule in the coming weeks as they aim to add another Women's Super League, FA Cup and Champions League title to their collection.
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Though, Bompastor has hinted Kerr could likely be absent from the English giants lineup in all upcoming tournament finals.
"We're still a few weeks away from Sam returning fully on the pitch," Bompastor said.
"It's difficult to put a timeframe on it."
All women's competitions in England will end on May 25 with the Champions League final, which Chelsea will aim to qualify for when they face Liverpool on Saturday.
Sam Kerr has yet to return to the Chelsea lineup since January 2024. Getty
If Kerr is not to return for any of the matches, it will mean she has been out of action for almost 15 months since suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Given Chelsea have only lost one game all season, Bompastor admitted she is confident her team has what it takes to win more silverware without the talent in their injury ward.
"In March we dropped four points against Brighton in the beginning of the block, and the last game against West Ham we drew. As a team, we can't drop our standards like we did," she said.
"It's up to us to make sure we have this ruthless mentality as a team.
"For the game tomorrow, I just want to see the best version of Chelsea on the pitch."
