Australian superstar Sam Kerr is set to return to the Matildas for the first time since as she has been called up for the women in yellow’s exhibition fixtures against England and Wales.
Kerr returned to Chelsea last month after an extended period on the sidelines, recovering from an ACL injury sustained during practice in January 2024. She marked her comeback by scoring her 100th goal for Chelsea and is now set to return to international soccer with Australia’s Matildas.
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“Having Sam back in the squad is a special moment — not just for the team, but for Australian football,” Matildas coach Joe Montemurro stated on Friday. “Her leadership and presence are invaluable as we continue
building toward the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 and beyond.”
The Australians are scheduled to play Wales in Cardiff on October 25 and England in Derby three days later.
The 32-year-old Kerr has been gradually easing back into play at Chelsea. She joined the Matildas training camps in April, but in a non-playing role.
In a social media post, the Matildas confirmed that Kerr was back with the squad for the first time in 692 days.
Kerr missed most of the Women’s World Cup that Australia co-hosted with New Zealand in 2023 and last played for the Matildas in an Olympic qualifier against Taiwan in Perth in November of that year.
Cortnee Vine and Katrina Gorry were also recalled to the 24-player squad. However, Mary Fowler and Tameka Yallop were not considered due to injuries.
“It will be Australia’s first time competing against Wales, and there is a competitive history with England. Both games will provide different challenges to test the team, our playing style, and the way we play together,” Montemurro said.
