Still no Sam Kerr as Matildas name under-strength squad for Argentina friendlies

The Guardian

14-05-2025

The long wait for Sam Kerr's return to competitive football shows no sign of ending soon with the Matildas skipper missing from Australia's squad for upcoming friendlies against Argentina.
Kerr is into a 16th month of recuperation after undergoing surgery on a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament sustained in January 2024, and while she tentatively returned to the training field at her club Chelsea towards the end of the Women's Super League season, she is not yet deemed ready for a recall to the national set up.
Kerr tagged along as a cheerleader last time the Matildas ran out for two friendlies against South Korea in April, but her ongoing absence in a playing capacity has raised questions over whether she will return at all before next year's Asian Cup in Australia. Games against Slovenia and Panama were locked in this week for July, and there is just one further international window to get Matildas game time under her belt before the tournament on home soil kicks off in March.
Kerr, who announced the birth of her first child last week, is joined in the long-term injury list by Mary Fowler – another victim of an ACL injury – while experienced duo Ellie Carpenter and Katrina Gorry have been left out of this latest squad after being granted personal leave.
Goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold and midfielder Tameka Yallop will also miss the two-match series against world No 33 Argentina – to be played in Melbourne on 30 May and Canberra on 2 June – with respective lower leg and hamstring injuries.
The absences pave the way for several fringe players and one new call-up to gain experience in an international camp. Uncapped keeper Morgan Aquino earns a recall to the squad following consistent performances in the USL Super League, while Isabel Gomez is rewarded for her scintillating A-League Women form for grand finalists Central Coast Mariners.
Kahli Johnson, the 21-year-old former Western United and now Calgary Fire attacker, has been called up for the first time, while Amy Sayer is welcomed back into the fold after successfully rehabilitating from her own ACL injury. Goalkeeper Jada Whyman also returns after an extended injury layoff.
The games against Argentina come off the back of two encouraging wins against Korea, which were viewed as something of a return to form for the team following a disastrous She Believes Cup campaign in the US.
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'We were pleased with how the group responded during the Korea Republic series as it showed that we have solid foundations as we continue to build depth and work on strengthening areas of improvement,' interim coach Tom Sermanni said.
'This squad selection rewards players who have performed well, both here in Australia and overseas. It's important we continue to create a competitive environment while also giving opportunities to those who've earned their place.'
'Every window brings us closer to the Asian Cup, and each match is a chance to improve our identity, develop our playing style further, and build the cohesion we'll need to be successful next year.'
Matildas squad
Morgan Aquino, Tegan Micah, Jada Whyman; Steph Catley, Charlotte Grant, Winonah Heatley, Clare Hunt, Alanna Kennedy, Courtney Nevin, Natasha Prior, Jamilla Rankin; Kyra Cooney-Cross, Leah Davidson, Isabel Gomez, Amy Sayer, Emily van Egmond, Clare Wheeler; Caitlin Foord, Bryleeh Henry, Michelle Heyman, Kahli Johnson, Holly McNamara, Kaitlyn Torpey