They say a week is a long time in football — so imagine waiting 99 of them. For Sam Kerr, the 692-day gap between Chelsea starts finally ended on Tuesday, marking a long-awaited return to the starting lineup.
After netting in Chelsea’s 3-1 Champions League win over BK Hacken back in December 2023, Kerr’s career took an unexpected turn. An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during a warm-weather training camp in January 2024 sidelined her for months, followed by several setbacks that delayed her comeback.
Kerr Makes Her Mark in Chelsea’s 6-0 Champions League Win
Returning with a bang, Kerr scored twice in Chelsea’s 6-0 victory over Austrian side St. Pölten — a performance that reminded fans why she’s one of the most lethal strikers in the women’s game.
“It feels good. I had to work myself into it, but I’m happy to score,” Kerr told Disney+.
“I’m just happy to be back playing in the Champions League again. I’m relishing every moment.”
Despite a few early missed chances and a disallowed goal due to offside, Kerr’s persistence paid off. Her first goal came from a precise right-foot finish off Wieke Kaptein’s cross, and her second — a powerful header from Niamh Charles’ delivery — sealed the dominant win.
When asked if scoring feels different after her injury, Kerr smiled and said:
“It feels a bit sweeter but also weird. I didn’t score for so long — I need to score a few more before my celebration comes back.”
Building Fitness and Eyeing the WSL Return
Kerr’s next aim is a Women’s Super League (WSL) start, potentially against Liverpool on Sunday. With Aggie Beever-Jones sidelined, the opportunity seems likely.
“I feel 100%, but I was out for a while,” Kerr added. “It’s just about getting miles in the legs now. I’m ready to go.”
Bompastor Delighted with Depth and Comebacks
Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor praised the return of Kerr, Lauren James, and new signing Naomi Girma, highlighting the importance of squad depth.
“When all your players are available, it adds quality and allows rotation,” Bompastor told Disney+. “It’s a good problem to have.”
With Guro Reiten and Beever-Jones close to returning, Bompastor may soon face a selection dilemma — but as she put it, “I like to have that problem.”
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