Australian football fans are in for a treat as Matildas captain Sam Kerr prepares to make her long-awaited return to home soil after almost two years away from Australian pitches. The superstar striker will feature in upcoming friendlies against New Zealand, giving Newcastle supporters their first look at the recovered legend.
Leadership Qualities Shine Through
Matildas coach Joe Montemurro has been vocal in his praise for Kerr's influence both on and off the field. Despite her recent lengthy knee injury rehabilitation, Montemurro maintained her as captain during last month's matches against Wales and England, highlighting her integral role within the team's core leadership group.
"That core group is special. We should really be applauding that group in terms of the work that's been done over the years," Montemurro stated. "Sam's been an integral part of that, and to have her there as that sort of gel, in terms of all the group, in terms of the leadership is really, really important."
The coach particularly emphasised Kerr's selfless nature, noting she's not the most vocal leader but leads by example through small actions like collecting balls and picking up cones after training sessions.
Careful Management of Return
Kerr's comeback is being carefully managed as she continues building match fitness. The Chelsea striker recently scored a Champions League brace against St. Polten before being rested for a league clash with Liverpool ahead of Chelsea's important match against Barcelona.
"She's doing really well," Montemurro confirmed. "She got 90 minutes during the week in the Champions League, obviously, scoring goals. And that's where we want Sam to be. But she still needs to be managed."
The coach defended his decision to start Kerr in recent internationals, explaining that attackers need game time to find their rhythm. "It's synonymous with attackers. Attackers, they need time. They need minutes because they're not involved in the game all the time," he said.
Fowler's Recovery Timeline
In other positive news for the Matildas, injured star Mary Fowler is expected to return to playing in January as she continues her ACL rehabilitation. The 22-year-old suffered her knee injury in April and could have returned seven months later, but the decision was made to hold her back until after the Christmas break.
Montemurro indicated this would give Fowler adequate preparation time before next March's Asian Cup, saying "It looks like she will get a fairly good runway into the Asian Cup."
The coach also addressed concerns about striker Holly McNamara, describing her recent issue as just a "knock" suffered while playing for Melbourne City.
The Matildas squad for the New Zealand friendlies sees several changes, with veteran midfielder Tameka Yallop and winger Kahli Johnson returning from injuries, and goalkeeper Chloe Lincoln recalled. Cortnee Vine, Jamilla Rankin and Morgan Aquino have dropped out of the squad.
Australian football enthusiasts can catch Sam Kerr and the Matildas in action against New Zealand in Gosford on November 28 and in Adelaide on December 2 as the team continues preparations for major international competitions.
