Sam Kerr's triumphant football return after 20 months out

Kieran Francis

Sam Kerr's triumphant football return after 20 months out image

After 20 months out of the game, it didn't take Sam Kerr long to return to what she does best - scoring goals.

In her first Chelsea game since December 2023 because of an ACL knee injury, Kerr scored her 100th goal for the Blues - in only 128 games.

The 32-year-old scored Chelsea's third goal in stoppage time during a 3-1 win against Manchester City - after coming on as a substitute on 75 minutes.

With the ball bobbling around in the box as City failed to clear the corner, Kerr stabbed the ball into the net to cue wild celebrations with her team-mates.

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"I'm a goal-scorer, that's what I love doing, and those 100 goals represent a lot of hard work, dedication and sacrifices to get there," Kerr said in a post-match interview.

"I know people may think scoring 100 goals is just another thing, but for me, it's an amazing achievement and something I'll look back on for the rest of my life."

It's been an eventful 634 days out of the game for Kerr, who endured a significant legal trial, while also celebrating the birth of her child.

Pending fitness, Kerr will likely be available for Matildas selection when they play friendlies against Wales and England in late October.

It will be interesting to see whether new Australian coach Joe Montemurro reinstalls the superstar as national team captain upon her return.

Kieran Francis

Kieran Francis is a senior editor at The Sporting News based in Melbourne, Australia. He started at Sportal.com.au before being a part of the transition to Sporting News in 2015. Just prior to the 2018 World Cup, he was appointed chief editor of Goal.com in Australia. He has now returned to The Sporting News where his passions lay in football, AFL, poker and cricket - when he is not on holiday.