Hey Lykkers! Big news in the world of women's football as Chelsea FC's star striker, Sam Kerr, is getting closer to making her long-awaited return to the pitch.

After a long and tough recovery from a serious ACL injury, Kerr is finally back on the training ground and is part of Chelsea's squad for the upcoming UEFA Women's Champions League (UWCL) quarterfinals.

But will we see her on the field in the next match? Let's dive into all the details!

15 Months of Hard Work

Sam Kerr, the 31-year-old captain of the Australian national team, has been sidelined for over 15 months due to an ACL tear she suffered in January 2024. This injury kept her off the pitch for a significant period, but after months of hard work and dedication, Kerr has recently started participating in training sessions with Chelsea again. This marks a major step in her recovery, and fans are eagerly waiting to see when she will return to action.

However, even though Kerr has rejoined Chelsea's training, her manager, Sonia Bompastor, has mentioned that it's still hard to predict exactly when Kerr will be fully ready to take the field again. As with any serious injury, patience is key, and there's no rush for Kerr to push herself too quickly.

Inclusion in the UWCL Squad

Excitingly, Chelsea has included Kerr in their official squad for the Champions League quarterfinals! This is a hopeful sign that she could be available for at least part of the tournament. However, the decision to list Kerr is partly due to UEFA's rules, which require teams to submit their rosters for the competition's next three rounds, all the way to the final, which takes place on May 25.

While Kerr's return is not guaranteed for the upcoming matches, Chelsea is optimistic that she will be available sometime before the final. The hope is that her experience and skills will be a great asset to the team, but Bompastor made it clear that the club needs to manage expectations. There's a chance Kerr might not return for the quarterfinals, so everyone needs to stay grounded as they await further updates.

Managing Expectations for Kerr's Return

As Chelsea heads into their Champions League quarterfinal match against Manchester City on March 19, there's a lot of excitement surrounding the potential for Kerr's return.

However, Bompastor urged caution, explaining that while they have high hopes for Kerr, they need to be realistic about her recovery process. “Sometimes even if you have high expectations, it doesn't go the way you want,” Bompastor said. She added that if Kerr can return and contribute to the team, it will be a huge boost, both in terms of experience and skills.

Kerr's presence on the roster has also meant that another Chelsea player, USWNT prospect Mia Fishel, has been left out of the squad for the time being. Fishel, who has also been recovering from her own ACL injury, will continue her rehab process as she works toward a return of her own.

Looking Forward: Chelsea's Champions League Ambitions

Chelsea, currently leading the Women's Super League (WSL), is looking to make a strong push in the Champions League, and having a player like Sam Kerr available could make all the difference. With the quarterfinals set to begin soon, Chelsea is hoping for a successful run in the competition, and Kerr's potential return could give them the edge they need. The two-leg contest against Manchester City kicks off on March 19, and Chelsea fans will be watching closely to see if Kerr makes her appearance.

As the tournament progresses, Bompastor and the Chelsea coaching staff will continue to focus on Kerr's recovery journey. They want her to feel fully prepared and at her best before taking to the field again, and they're making sure she's not rushing her recovery.

The Road Ahead: Patience and Perseverance

Sam Kerr's return is undoubtedly a much-anticipated event for Chelsea and women's football fans worldwide. While her immediate return to action is uncertain, the fact that she's back in training is a huge step forward. It's a reminder of the hard work and dedication required to recover from a serious injury and of the importance of patience in the process.

As we eagerly wait for Kerr's return to the pitch, one thing is certain: her comeback will be one of the most exciting moments of the season. Whether it's in the Champions League or the WSL, we can't wait to see Kerr back in action and contributing to Chelsea's success.

What's Next for Kerr?

With the Champions League quarterfinals approaching, there's no telling exactly when Sam Kerr will make her official return. But one thing's for sure: her journey back to full fitness is a testament to her resilience and determination. Fans are excited to see her back in action, and we can't wait to witness her next chapter.

So, Lykkers, what do you think? Will Sam Kerr be ready in time for the UWCL quarterfinals? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!