'This is not the decision we are taking' - Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor responds to Australia's desire for Sam Kerr attendance despite ACL injury

Kerr has been sidelined since suffering the long-term knee injury back in January and is currently going through her rehab and recovery at Chelsea. However, ahead of the Matildas' games in Europe against Germany and Switzerland this month, Australia interim coach Tom Sermanni has said he would like Kerr to join the national team on camp.

“I have spoken to her about coming into camp for these games we’ve got in Europe, we’re still having that conversation," Sermanni said last week. "Some players will walk across hot coals to come into camp regardless of their condition, some who are injured often don’t like to be in the team environment. It’s always good to have someone of that calibre and someone who’s now a really mature player and a leader in the team. So having those players present around the camp is always a big bonus."

Asked for her perspective on the situation on Wednesday, Chelsea boss Bompastor said: "We always have a close relationship with every national team coach. Communication is really important and we just have to be on the same page. If we feel that's the best for the player, I would be happy to help the national team and the player. These are conversations we are having and if she has to go, she will go. But in my mind, at the moment, this is not the decision we are taking."

At the same time, Bompastor was able to offer a positive update on the progress of Kerr's rehab. "Sam is doing good," she said. "I think during the international break, we have a meeting with the staff just to make her home plan and see when she will be able to start to practice individually with the technical staff, which will be a new step for her. But at the moment, she's in a good place. She's in a good form mentally and she just brings some positive things to the team, being around. Even if she's not training collectively with the team, she just brings so much to the squad."

Whether Chelsea and Australia can come to terms on an agreement to let Kerr join up with the Matildas' squad this month, only time will tell. However, based on Bompastor's comments, it seems unlikely for the time being.