After 19 long months away from the pitch, Sam Kerr admits the thing she’s missed most is simply normal life.
From training sessions at Cobham to traveling with her Chelsea teammates, scoring goals, and celebrating with fans—these everyday experiences vanished when she suffered a major knee injury in January 2024.
Although her comeback is still a work in progress, Kerr has completed pre-season training with the Blues and is edging closer to competitive action.
Speaking from Chelsea’s training camp in the Netherlands, the Australian striker opened up about the relief of being back with the squad.
“During an injury, you’re alone a lot,” Kerr said. “It feels so good to be training with the girls again instead of just doing rehab on my own. Being in camp also gives me a chance to connect with new teammates.”
She added: “I’m excited to be back, and I’m really looking forward to scoring goals again and just having fun on the pitch. Getting back to normal with the team has been great.”
Kerr is also enjoying the change of scenery and warmer weather: “I love the sun, so training in the heat has been amazing. Plus, spending more time with the new players and staff has been really nice.”
Since her absence, Chelsea has seen changes on the sidelines, with Sonia Bompastor replacing Emma Hayes as manager. But Kerr says adapting to the new leadership has been smooth.
“It’s been really good,” she explained. “Sonia is demanding in the best way. I’ve only trained with her for a couple of weeks, but I already enjoy working with her and Camille [Abily]. They’re fantastic.”
For Kerr, the countdown is now on—to get back on the field, back among the goals, and back to the game she loves.
