Setback for Sam Kerr! Chelsea star undergoes another 'intervention' after suffering complications with mystery new injury as Matildas boss offers update

Newly appointed Australia boss Joe Montemurro has provided a fresh injury update on Chelsea superstar and Matildas icon Sam Kerr.

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Kerr has been confirmed to have undergone a second surgical "intervention". Although it hasn't been disclosed exactly what issue is, it isn't related to the ACL tear that she suffered in January 2024. So while it might be considered a setback, the Chelsea striker is still making overall progress in her bid to return to action.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Kerr hasn't played since five days before Christmas of 2023, now almost 18 months ago, when she scored and assisted in a Champions League group stage win for Chelsea over BK Hacken. Less than three weeks later, during the WSL's 2023-24 winter break, she suffered an ACL injury at Chelsea's warm weather training camp in Morocco. There were hopes that Kerr might return to playing before the end of 2024-25, which didn't happen. But that delay might now be explained by the unconnected surgery setback.

  During her time away, Kerr has been through a high profile court case that cleared her on charges of racially aggravated harassment against a police officer, and has also become a new mum after partner Kristie Mewis gave birth to a baby boy last month.

• WHAT JOE MONTEMURRO SAID

  Speaking to Australia's Channel 10, Montemurro explained: "I think there were some complications and I've only caught up with the scenario in the last 24 hours. There was a subsequent intervention, but I do believe she is now back running. I think it was something completely different [to the ACL injury]. I think the knee is fine. I think there was some other issues, but again I've only been briefed in the last 24 hours."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR SAM KERR?

  Despite being sidelined with a long-term injury, Kerr was given Chelsea's support and loyalty last summer when she was handed a new two-year contract. But that deal only runs until the end of 2025-26, and so Kerr's future will again be the topic of debate next season as she seeks to get back to playing.