Despite missing pre-season training, Chelsea star Sam Kerr says he will not rush after second cruciate ligament injury

LONDON (Reuters) – Chelsea striker Sam Kerr said she would not jeopardise her future in football by rushing her recovery from a second anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.

Kerr, Australia's all-time leading goalscorer with 69 goals in 128 appearances, tore his cruciate ligament while training with Chelsea in January and missed the Paris Olympics.

Due to a similar injury, she also missed the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

“I'm not putting a date on my return, I'm just making sure I do it right and that I feel good before I get back on the court,” Kerr said in an interview with Optus Sport published today.

“I mean, it's my second ACL, so I know you have to take your time, you have to make sure it's right, and I'm doing everything I can. But I'm definitely in no rush, I want to make sure I can play for many years to come.”

Kerr, who turns 31 on Tuesday, has signed a contract extension with the Women's Super League (WSL) champions until 2026.

Since joining Chelsea in the 2019/20 season, Kerr has won five WSL titles, three FA Cups and two League Cups, and also helped the team reach the Women's Champions League final in the 2020/21 season.

Chelsea are making a fresh start this season under French coach Sonia Bompastor, after 12 years under the leadership of former manager Emma Hayes.

Kerr said their main focus was to win the Women's Champions League after losing in the semi-finals last season.

“We have failed for several years in a row and hopefully Sonia will bring that to the club,” she added. — Reuters