Chelsea has made a strategic decision by including the injured forward Sam Kerr in their 25-player squad for the Champions League knockout stages. Kerr, a 31-year-old Australian international, has been out of action for over a year due to a severe knee injury. The forward ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament during training in January 2024 and has since been on a rigorous recovery path.

Sam Kerr has been a pivotal player for Chelsea, scoring 95 goals in 122 appearances since joining from the Chicago Red Stars in 2020. Her contributions have helped the club secure five Women's Super League titles. Despite her absence, Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor remains optimistic about Kerr's recovery, though she admits it's challenging to predict the exact timeline for her return.

The inclusion of Kerr in the squad for the European quarter-final against Manchester City hints that she may be nearing a comeback. The first leg of this crucial match is set to take place at City on Wednesday, 19 March (20:00 GMT). However, Kerr's return means that American forward Mia Fishel will miss out on the squad.

Chelsea and Manchester City are also set to clash in the Women's League Cup final on Saturday, marking the first of four consecutive matches between the two teams over a 12-day span. Bompastor emphasized the importance of focusing on Kerr's daily progress to ensure she can return to the pitch as soon as possible.

Recovery from an ACL injury varies among players, with some returning after 10 months and others needing up to 14 months. Kerr’s resilience and determination have been evident throughout her career, which includes a standout performance in the Ballon d'Or Feminin, where she finished third in 2021 and 2022 and second in 2023.

Despite facing a court case earlier this year, where she was found not guilty of causing racially aggravated harassment, Chelsea has stood firmly behind Kerr. The forward, who made her senior debut for Australia at just 15, continues to be a cornerstone for both her club and country.

As Chelsea prepares for a series of high-stakes matches, the potential return of Sam Kerr could be a game-changer in their quest for European glory.