Sam Kerr’s minutes a mystery as Denmark clash looms
Sam Kerr was limited to the stationary bike on Sunday during the 15-minute window of training open to media, amid speculation over how much she will feature in Monday night’s round-of-16 clash with Denmark.
The Matildas captain posted photos to Instagram at the weekend of her clearly ramping up her training, then when doorstopped by TV cameras at Sydney Airport, gave her strongest comment yet on her fitness.
“I’m really excited,” Kerr told Channel Nine. “I will play, yep.”
Sam Kerr hasn’t played since injuring her left calf on the eve of the World Cup opener against Ireland. Getty
A Football Australia spokesperson insisted on Sunday that her time on the exercise bike was a planned session “off feet” as part of her return to play program.
If Kerr does play against the Danes at Stadium Australia on Monday night, with a quarter-final against either France or Morocco on the line, it will clearly be for limited minutes.
The inspirational captain hasn’t played since injuring her left calf on the eve of the World Cup opener against Ireland.
But Australia can take heart from how a front four of Caitlin Foord, Mary Fowler, Emily van Egmond and Hayley Raso dominated without her against Canada, while Steph Catley has embraced captaincy with aplomb.
Kyah Simon made a rare appearance with the main training group, indicating she could also have a role to play on Monday.
Winger Cortnee Vine and back-up goalkeeper Teagan Micah sat out Sunday’s training for “loading” reasons.
Centre-back Alanna Kennedy knows if the Matildas can limit the influence of Kerr’s former Chelsea teammate Pernille Harder, their job will be a whole lot easier.
“Sammy said she’s someone who can change the game for their team,” Kennedy said.
“It’s just being alert
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