Matildas captain Sam Kerr has declared herself fit to return from injury for Australia’s huge FIFA Women’s World Cup match against Canada.
Kerr, Australia’s all-time leading scorer with 63 goals in 121 games, injured her left calf the day before the Matildas’ opening game against Ireland and hasn’t played since.
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Australia’s campaign is on a knife’s edge after Thursday’s disastrous 3-2 loss to Nigeria.
And Australia has been hanging out for positive news on Kerr’s calf after fans were stunned on the night of the Matildas opener when they realised she was a late out.
But speaking to media on Saturday, the superstar striker said she was available for Monday’s clash at AAMI Park, which Australia realistically must win to guarantee progression to the round of 16 (without relying on Ireland beating Nigeria).
Kerr wouldn’t be drawn on exactly how many minutes she could play, or what her role would be, but when asked to clarify if she would be fit to play, she said: “Yes”.
Kerr revealed “the plan” had always been the same around her injury management, missing the first two games and then reassessing.
“I’m feeling good. I was out on the pitch today. As good as I can be,” she said.
“I would love to tell you guys everything. (But) it’s going to be down to the wire.
“I’m definitely going to be available but how we decide to use that is not to be given to the opposition.”
After the shock loss to Nigeria, Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson was optimistic Kerr would be right but could not guarantee it.
“All I can say now is that I hope (Kerr plays),” he said.
“I know it’s going to be tight. Most likely not getting confirmation on that until the night before the game and we’ll go from there.
“It might even be we have to test her on game day. That’s how tight it is.”
Fellow striker Mary Fowler, who missed the Nigeria loss with concussion, should return and will be a welcome addition.
The Matildas (three points, goal difference 0) sit third in Group B behind Nigeria (four points, +1) and Canada (four points, +1).
– With Cameron Noakes
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