Matildas interim coach Tom Sermanni has walked back his own comments about Sam Kerr’s ongoing injury situation but the superstar striker’s Chelsea boss says it remains “difficult” to lock in a return date.
Kerr has received heavy support from around the football world after announcing fiancee Kristie Mewis is expecting their first child but attention has also turned back to the Australian’s comeback from an ACL tear suffered in January.
Sermanni last week insisted the 31-year-old’s rehabilitation was going “really, really, really well” while also admitting he hadn’t spoken to Kerr for a couple of weeks.
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Kerr had mentioned on a BBC podcast last month that she had a “little bit more going on than an ACL” but Sermanni said he was unaware of any other issues.
“Absolutely not. If you’ve heard that, you’re telling me something I’ve not heard,” he said at a Matildas squad announcement.
This week, though, the Asian Cup-winning coach has offered further insight into Kerr’s recent troubles.
“During her rehab there were a couple of little setbacks probably two or three months ago,” Sermanni told SEN.
“She’s overcome them now and she’s making a good recovery and is on track. But she just wanted to make sure that she didn’t rush back as well.
“She had that little setback, she’s back on track. Everything at this stage is going well and she should be back ready to go by January.”
Sermanni’s declaration arrived hours before Chelsea coach Sonia Bompastor offered a similar view on Kerr.
But she was far more reserved on a timeline.
“Sam is doing really well,” Bompastor said.
“She’s on the pitch. Not practising with the team yet, but certainly by the end of the year, she will be able to practise maybe with the team.
“It’s difficult for me to give you a good timeline and the right date, but she’s in a good place. She’s confident.
“When I look at her and her rehab process, she’s doing really well and progressing day by day. I think (everything is) really good, but too soon to tell a date.”
Away from the injury, Bompastor said she also wants to “fully support” Kerr in the wake of homophobic vitriol directed at the Australian and her partner following their pregnancy announcement.
“This is just unacceptable, to have these kind of comments, especially in our world in 2024,” the Spaniard said.
“That’s just crazy for me to understand, how people can react like this.
“But what can I say? I just want to focus on the positives and give all my support to Sam and Kristie, tell them we are really proud. We are really happy for them.”
Kerr’s close friend and Chelsea captain Millie Bright echoed the sentiment.
“We’re just really happy for them both, just seeing the joy that it brings to both of them,” the English star said.
“I think that’s what we’re all put on Earth for, to bring joy to one another. We’ve not got the time of day for certain comments.
“Our focus is to spread happiness and to be there for one another, to support each other regardless of everyone’s situation.”
England boss Sarina Wiegman similarly said it was “very, very disappointing” to see the hate.
“I’m really happy for them, they look really happy and I hope it all goes well,” she said.
Chelsea said in an earlier statement they were aware of “unacceptable and hateful homophobic comments” on various social media platforms.
“There is no place in society for any form of discrimination and we will not accept any abuse directed towards our players, staff or supporters,” a club spokesperson said.
“We are extremely proud to be a diverse, inclusive club that celebrates and welcomes people from all cultures, communities and identities.”
West Ham shared what they called Kerr’s “heartwarming” baby announcement on the team’s website.
“Mewis has announced the wonderful news that she is expecting her first child,” the club said.
“Everyone at West Ham United would like to congratulate Kristie and Sam on their fantastic news!”
– with AAP