'Week by week': Chelsea coach confirms delay in Sam Kerr's return as Matildas prepare for international window

Sam Kerr will not be making her return to the football pitch until after the international break as the Chelsea star continues on the road to recovery.

Kerr's time on the sidelines with an anterior cruciate ligament injury looked to be coming to an end as the star striker was seen completing regular team training sessions.

Hopes of a return were raised after the 31-year-old was named in Chelsea's squad for the Champions League quarter-final matches against Manchester City.

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However, Kerr failed to enter the clash as Chelsea suffered their first defeat in 31 games.

Chelsea coach Sonia Bompastor confirmed Kerr will not don the blue jersey in the second leg of the quarter-finals or in their upcoming Women's Super League matches.

"Sam Kerr won't be with us before the next international break," Bompastor said.

"We will go week by week and maybe after the international break we will have a better idea of when she will be with us."

Bompastor previously called for fans to lower the hype around Kerr's return as she should not be expected to "be the hero for the team" upon immediate return.

Still, the delay at club level confirmed Kerr's absence from the national team ahead of the April international window.

Interim coach Tom Sermanni had hinted he was hopeful Kerr could be back for the friendlies against South Korea but the latest club level delay has prolonged her absence.

With no additional friendlies locked in following the matches against South Korea, it is likely Kerr will have limited time in the green and gold ahead of the Asian Cup.

Sermanni confirmed his squad for the April friendlies on Monday which include the return of Clare Wheeler and Courtney Nevin.

"This squad selection is about achieving the right balance – reintegrating players returning from injury and rewarding those who have been playing consistently well in clubland," Sermanni said.

"It's important to create continuity while also bringing in players who have earned their place through strong performances.

"We are fortunate to have a core group of players competing at the highest levels, whether it's in the UEFA Women's Champions League or major domestic competitions.

"Their ongoing exposure to high-pressure environments is invaluable as we prepare for the challenges ahead, knowing we still have plenty of details to work on heading into next year Asian Cup.

"Every match leading into the Asian Cup is an opportunity to fine-tune our approach, build cohesion, and ensure we are performing at the level required to take on Asia's best during next year's tournament."

MATILDAS SQUAD

Mackenzie Arnold (GK), Ellie Carpenter, Steph Catley (C), Kyra Cooney-Cross, Caitlin Foord, Mary Fowler, Katrina Gorry, Charlotte Grant, Winonah Heatley, Michelle Heyman, Clare Hunt, Alanna Kennedy, Chloe Lincoln, Holly McNamara, Teagan Micah, Courtney Nevin, Natasha Prior, Jamilla Rankin, Hayley Raso, Kaitlyn Torpey, Emily van Egmond (VC), Clare Wheeler, Tameka Yallop