Australia has confirmed that Chelsea star Sam Kerr will not be able to participate in the Olympic Games in Paris due to an ACL injury.

Australia has delivered a blow to their Olympic hopes as they confirm that Chelsea forward Sam Kerr will not be fit enough to compete in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. The 30-year-old suffered a torn ACL during Chelsea’s warm weather training camp in January, leading to concerns about her availability for the tournament.

Despite Australia and Chelsea remaining tight-lipped about Kerr’s fitness, hopes were raised among fans that the country’s all-time leading scorer would make a miraculous recovery. However, those hopes were dashed as Australia announced their squad for two farewell games against China, revealing that Kerr, along with Kristianstads DFF forward Amy Sayer, who is also recovering from an ACL injury, will not be able to participate.

The statement from Australia stated, “Katrina Gorry (ankle) is still unavailable as she continues her rehab following surgery in April, while attacker Amy Sayer (ACL) and forward Sam Kerr (ACL) remain on the sidelines with long-term injuries. Kerr and Sayer will continue their rehabilitation programs in their home club environments and subsequently will not be available for selection for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.”

Head Coach Tony Gustavsson acknowledged the impact of Kerr’s absence, stating, “I think everyone can do the math here and understand that obviously the Olympic roster will be based mostly out of those that are in this upcoming May/June camp.” He also mentioned that players like Katrina Gorry and Aivi Luik, who are currently unavailable for selection, may still be physically ready for the Olympics.

Gustavsson emphasized the importance of the upcoming camp in evaluating players and finalizing the squad for Paris. He stated, “We want to use this camp to summarize the evolved playing style we have built upon in the last couple of months. To go back to what we did at last year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup and the core things we did well there and then add the layers we have worked on since.”

The squad for the farewell games against China includes Arsenal trio Steph Catley, Kyra Cooney-Cross, and Caitlin Foord, with Catley named as captain. Lyon star Ellie Carpenter and Emily van Egmond of the San Diego Wave will serve as vice-captains. The games will also provide an opportunity for Australian fans to bid farewell to legendary goalkeeper Lydia Williams, who has announced her retirement from international football after the Olympics.

Despite the setback of Kerr’s absence, Australia remains confident in their squad selection and believes they have the necessary options in each position to enhance the overall team. With the Olympics fast approaching, the focus is on assembling the best team possible and utilizing the upcoming games to fine-tune their playing style and evaluate the players’ performances.