Matilda legends warn that Sam Kerr may be overly confident in ditching a calf injury for a key detail, as coach Tony Gustavsson is urged not to name her for the crucial Women’s World Cup clash against Canada.
- Ex-Matildas Warns Gustavsson About Kerr Tenure
- It is not yet known if Kerr can run at full speed
- Kerr has confirmed that it will be available on Monday.
Sam Kerr has confirmed he will line up against Canada in Melbourne on Monday night in the must-win World Cup clash, but two ex-Matildas aren’t sure he should start.
Kerr, 29, has yet to take part in the tournament after injuring his calf days before Australia’s Group B opener against the Republic of Ireland.
Kerr told reporters in Brisbane on Saturday afternoon that he will be on the team’s roster for the Canada game, and that after 10 days without training, he has finally donned his boots for a session on Saturday.
‘I don’t think I feel relief yet. He’s still going to go all the way, but the fact that I was on the court today with my boots on makes me feel better,” Kerr said.
It was nice to put on the boots. Honestly, I’m sick of wearing sneakers and being on the sidelines, so it felt really good. I did everything I could, so it’s really about the next three days.
Sam Kerr has confirmed that he will line up against Canada in Melbourne on Monday night.
Former Matilda Ash Sykes is concerned that Kerr has not mentioned whether or not he can run properly.
Kerr did not mention any details of the training, or whether she could already run properly, which has set off alarm bells for former Matilda Ash Sykes.
‘It is very difficult to recover. It’s one of those injuries where you don’t know how you’re going to do until you really start to hit top pace, full throttle,” Sykes told Optus Sports.
“Yes, you might feel confident after a session with your boots on, whether it’s walking across the field, we don’t know if she’s actually running.
“Until she pushes him back before the game, things might not go as well on the second day.”
Former Matilda Amy Chapman also believes that Sam Kerr should not start in the do-or-die clash with Canada.
“There is no question the game will open up in the second half as both teams need a win and will be willing to risk everything to chase a goal,” Chapman wrote for news corporation.
‘That’s when Kerr is needed.
“His speed, aerial ability, uncanny ability to attract defenders and find space in the goal box is second to none.”
Former Matilda Amy Chapman believes the stakes are too high for coach Tony Gustavsson to start Kerr in the do-or-die clash with Canada next week.
Chapman thinks Kerr should be used in the second half when the game opens
The Matildas need to win in Melbourne on Monday to avoid being knocked out in the group stage.
Mary Fowler will be a welcome addition after missing the game against the Africans with a concussion.
The young gun is tipped to partner Caitlin Foord up front if Kerr isn’t named to start the clash against the Olympic champions.
