Sam Kerr out for Matildas' South Korea friendlies

Sam Kerr will not play in the upcoming friendlies against South Korea. The captain of the Matildas is still recovering from a serious knee injury and is not yet fully fit. Kerr had hoped to return to the team after being included in Chelsea's squad for a recent match. However, she did not play in the Women's Champions League loss to Manchester City, nor in a subsequent league match. The Matildas' coach, Tom Sermanni, named a 23-player squad for the friendlies, which will be held in Sydney and Newcastle in early April. Kerr's absence means the team will rely on other players, including veteran Michelle Heyman and younger options like Caitlin Foord and Mary Fowler. Clare Wheeler returns to the squad after missing recent matches, and young defenders Courtney Nevin and Jamilla Rankin have been recalled. The Matildas have struggled in their last several games, losing eight out of the last 13, but they have qualified for the Women’s Asian Cup as hosts. Sermanni emphasized the need for the right balance in the squad, integrating players returning from injuries and rewarding those in good form. He noted that every match leading up to the Asian Cup is crucial for building cohesion and improving performance. The Asian Cup will start on March 1, 2026.