Chelsea confirm Sam Kerr ruled out of Australia's double-header with Canada due to foot injury

The Matildas are set to face Canada in two international friendlies on Saturday and then Wednesday, December 6. However, they will have to do so without their star forward, who has been struggling with a foot injury despite featuring for Chelsea in last week's Women's Champions League match against Paris FC and their Women's Super League win over Leicester on Sunday.

"We can today confirm that Chelsea striker Sam Kerr will not feature in Australia’s forthcoming international fixtures and will remain with the club for treatment on a foot injury," a statement from Chelsea read. "The 30-year-old has withdrawn from the Matildas squad and will not feature in their upcoming international friendly double-header against Canada in Victoria and Vancouver respectively. Sam will remain with Chelsea and undergo further assessment from the club's medical department during this period."

Kerr has been in excellent form for the Blues, scoring a hat-trick against Paris FC last week, though coach Emma Hayes said that she was playing at 80 percent of her normal level. The Australia captain has struggled with injuries this year, having recently admitted she suffered two calf injuries around the World Cup.

Chelsea have not put a timeframe on how long Kerr will be kept out of action. The Blues will hope to have her back in the starting XI for their crucial WSL match against Arsenal, who sit three points behind the reigning champions in the table.