Sam Kerr is back in the Australian selection for the first time since 2023

Sam Kerr is back in the Australian squad for the first time since 2023 for friendlies against England and Wales later this month.

The star striker returned to Chelsea last month after a long spell on the sidelines recovering from an ACL injury suffered while training for the London club in January 2024.

She scored her 100th goal for Chelsea in her second leg and is now set to make a comeback to international football for Australia’s Matildas.

“Having Sam back in the squad is a special moment, not only for the team, but for Australian football,” Matildas coach Joe Montemurro said in a statement on Friday. “Her leadership and presence will be invaluable as we continue to build towards the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 and beyond.”

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The Australians will play Wales in Cardiff on October 25 and England in Derby three days later.

The 32-year-old Kerr is gradually returning to Chelsea. She took part in the Matildas training camps in April, but without a player.

In a post on social media, the Matildas confirmed that Kerr had returned to the squad for the first time in 692 days.

Kerr missed most of the Women’s World Cup that Australia co-hosted with New Zealand in 2023 and last played for the Matildas in an Olympic qualifier against Taiwan in Perth in November that year.

Cortnee Vine and Katrina Gorry were also recalled to the 24-player roster. Mary Fowler and Tameka Yallop were ineligible due to injuries.

“It will be the first time Australia will compete against Wales and there is a competitive history with England, so both matches will provide different challenges to test the team, our playing style and the way we play together,” Montemurro said.

Published on October 10, 2025