Sam Kerr nears competitive return in Chelsea squad

Sam Kerr, captain of the Matildas, is nearing a return to competitive football after being named in Chelsea's squad for the UEFA Women's Champions League quarter-finals. Having been sidelined for 15 months due to a knee reconstruction, Chelsea coach Sonia Bompastor has tempered expectations regarding her comeback, emphasizing that Kerr should focus on her rehabilitation rather than the pressure of performing. Despite her inclusion in the squad, Bompastor indicated that Kerr is unlikely to feature in the immediate matches against Manchester City, including the League Cup final. The Australian national team will closely monitor her progress, as they prepare for friendlies against South Korea in April. Kerr has been a pivotal player for Chelsea, having scored 95 goals in 122 appearances, and her return is eagerly anticipated by fans and teammates alike.