'Really positive': Sam Kerr close to return after 16-month layoff from debilitating ACL injury
Matildas coach Tom Sermanni has revealed Sam Kerr is close to a return as she continues her recovery from an ACL injury.
Kerr has been out of action since she ruptured her ACL while training with Chelsea in January 2024.
Her rehabilitation has taken much longer than usual for that type of injury as the Matildas prepare for a home Asian Cup in March.
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Despite concern her recovery would continue well into this year, Sermanni provided a positive update ahead of the Matildas' friendlies with Argentina.
Sam Kerr is seen during an Australia Matildas training session. Getty
"It's actually going really well, we've got a full-time physio in London," he said at his press conference.
"We're heavily involved with Chelsea and Sam's rehab and the knee is looking really good.
"From their feedback, I am confident that she's getting much, much closer than she has been over the last few months.
"The news there I am getting back is really positive."
Kerr isn't the only player out with injury, after Mary Fowler also ruptured her ACL in her right knee in April.
Mary Fowler of Manchester City is injured. Visionhaus/Getty Images
Kerr was recently spotted at the A-League women's grand final, watching from the stands.
The Matildas play the first of two friendlies against Argentina at Marvel Stadium on Friday night.
