Chelsea striker Sam Kerr will undergo surgery after suffering an ACL injury during the Blues’ mid-season training camp, Emma Hayes has confirmed.
Kerr has been ruled out for the rest of the season after suffering an injury in Morocco last week, where Hayes had taken her camp for warm-weather education during the Women’s Super League mid-season break.
The Australian’s absence is a blow to Chelsea, who have three clear points at the top of the division and will earn a fifth consecutive call-up in what will be Hayes’ final season at the helm.
“She’s going to have surgery today,” the Blues boss said on Thursday. “I’m tired for her and for the team. These things happen in football and she knows it. The important thing is that we are there for her and that recovery and rehabilitation begin today.
“[He did it] by making a football play that he does every day, turning around and shooting. It’s very harmless.
Kerr becomes the latest high-profile call-up to suffer an ACL injury, with England’s Beth Mead and Leah Williamson, as well as Arsenal teammate Vivianne Miedema, all absent from the summer Women’s World Cup with similar conditions.
The prevalence of these types of injuries in women’s football has become a major topic of discussion in recent seasons; amid considerations of increased workloads, Hayes was reluctant to address the issue.
“This is not the moment to talk about how these things happen,” Hayes added. “Injuries happen in football, in men’s and women’s football. I think sometimes we have a confirmation bias around ACL injuries but I think they happen in the sport.
“Whatever the explanation is for why they happen, I don’t think that’s what it’s about today. This is just to let her know that she is with her circle of Chelsea relatives and that we will take care of her.
The Blues return to action at home to West Ham in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday, in what will be their first competitive match since December 20, but they will remain without captain Millie Bright as she continues her recovery from a knee injury of her own.
“She’s in rehab right now and she’s directing it,” Hayes said. “I can’t give a timetable for his return, but he’s in good spirits and will be back as soon as he can humanly and physically. I’m sure he’d lace up his boots if asked, but we want to get it right for his long-term future.
MORE ABOUT