Kerr missed the Australians’ first two preliminary round matches against Ireland (1-0) and Nigeria (2-3) with a calf injury sustained just before the tournament started. Due to the unexpected bankruptcy against Nigeria, the World Cup co-hosts need a win in the duel with Canada to safely make it into the round of 16.
At the obligatory media question and answer session in Brisbane, the 29-year-old left it open whether Kerr is fit enough to play in coach Tony Gustavsson’s starting line-up or whether he will come into play later in the game. “It was always the plan: to pause the first two games and then make a new assessment. I’m definitely available, but we won’t tell the opponent how we want to use it to our advantage,” said the teammate of the German national team trio Melanie Leupolz, Sjoeke Nüsken and Ann-Katrin Berger.
In Gustavsson’s considerations, Kerr only played a role as a joker. “We have to work out a plan to see how we can best bring their potential to bear,” the coach said cautiously last Friday.
Kerr’s power and efficiency were missed by the Australians, especially against Nigeria. With plenty of chances to score, Gustavsson’s side were underperforming against the Africans, and Kerr’s strike partner Mary Fowler (Manchester City) was also absent with concussion.
2023-07-29 06:01:52
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