Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor remains optimistic that star striker Sam Kerr could still make a return to action before the conclusion of the 2024-25 campaign, though she admits there is no definitive timeline for her comeback.
The Australian international has not played for Chelsea in over a year after suffering a devastating anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during a training session in January 2024. Despite a long and grueling rehabilitation process, Bompastor revealed that Kerr is making significant strides behind the scenes as Chelsea’s season nears its final stages.
“She’s working hard,” said Bompastor. “All the performance staff are doing everything for her to play this season. We know we only have a few games left now. Hopefully, yes, but it’s difficult for me to have a clear answer.”
Kerr’s absence has been keenly felt, but Chelsea have continued to excel domestically. With the Women’s Super League (WSL) title race reaching its climax and an FA Cup final on the horizon, her potential return could be a major boost to the Blues’ treble hopes.
Chelsea’s remaining fixtures are few but crucial. They face Manchester United on Wednesday night in a pivotal WSL match, with the chance to claim their sixth consecutive league crown. Following that, they will contest the FA Cup final against Manchester United on 18 May at Wembley Stadium.
Kerr’s attempted return earlier this year had raised hopes when she resumed individual training in January. However, optimism that she might feature for Australia’s national team in early April proved premature. Australia’s interim coach Tom Sermanni had expressed hope at the time, but Kerr was ultimately not ready to take part.
Meanwhile, off the pitch, Kerr faced and was cleared of charges relating to racially aggravated harassment earlier this year. She was found not guilty after an incident involving a Metropolitan Police officer. With that chapter closed, her focus has fully returned to her recovery and a potential comeback.
Bompastor, who took charge of Chelsea last year, is now steering her side through the crucial final few weeks of the season. After the disappointment of being knocked out of the UEFA Women’s Champions League by Barcelona, losing 8-2 on aggregate, the French manager has rallied her team to refocus on domestic dominance.
“The best teams need to bounce back,”
said after the defeat. “I’m still really confident going into the game on Wednesday. If we have the opportunity to win, it will be a big step for the title.”
Chelsea currently sit six points clear of second-placed Arsenal. Victory over Manchester United, combined with any slip-up from the Gunners against Aston Villa earlier that evening, would seal the title for the Blues once again.
Despite falling short of an ambitious quadruple, Bompastor is determined to ensure the team finishes the season with a treble of trophies.
“We had that ambition to make the quadruple,” she admitted. “It didn’t happen. Now it’s for us to move forward and focus on the treble and hopefully we’ll have that at the end of the season.”
Since joining Chelsea, Bompastor has spoken of her competitive drive and desire to collect silverware.
“I came to Chelsea to have a lot of ambitions and convert my competitiveness into titles,” she said. “That’s what makes me the happiest person.”
Should Kerr manage to return in time for either of Chelsea’s final WSL games or the FA Cup final, it would not only be a personal triumph for the striker but also an emotional boost for a team chasing a historic domestic treble.
For now, Chelsea fans will hope that both Kerr’s recovery and the team’s title aspirations stay firmly on track in what promises to be an exciting finish to the season.
Read also:Sam Kerr and Kristie Mewis Announce Pregnancy, Baby Due in 2025
