Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor has announced that Australian striker Sam Kerr will not be returning to the team until February or March. The 31-year-old forward underwent anterior cruciate ligament surgery in January, and Bompastor estimates that it will be over a year before Kerr can play again.
"I would say we are looking to maybe have her back with us in February or March, not before that," Bompastor stated on Friday, ahead of Chelsea's Women's Super League match against Brighton on Sunday. "She didn't start yet to train with the group, she's still on her individual-process rehab and I think it will take at least two or three more months for her to be fit enough to be with the squad."
These remarks seem to raise significant doubts about whether Kerr will be available for Australia's February fixtures against Japan, the United States, and Colombia in the SheBelieves Cup, which begins on February 20.
Bompastor also revealed that England forward Lauren James is unlikely to return before the WSL winter break in mid-December. James has been out since October due to a calf injury. "LJ is progressing really well," Bompastor said. "She's in a good position mentally. It will be difficult to see her before the end of the year but we still have a small hope on that, so we'll see."
"I'm more expecting her to be able to play with us in January. LJ knew from the beginning that it was a longer one but she's starting to run, she's starting to touch the ball, so she'll be fresh in January for sure."
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