Chelsea striker Sam Kerr has been ruled out of competing for Australia at this summer’s Olympics in Paris.
Kerr ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in her knee during a Chelsea training camp in January and she is still not back training.
The 30-year-old always faced a fight to be fit for the Olympics in July and she has now been officially ruled out.
Australia announced their squad for their pre-Olympic friendlies on Tuesday morning and confirmed Kerr would not return in time for Paris.
“Attacker Amy Sayer (ACL) and forward Sam Kerr (ACL) remain on the sidelines with long term injuries,” the Australian FA said.
“Kerr and Sayer will continue their rehabilitation programmes in their home club environments and subsequently will not be available for selection for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.”
Kerr is one of several high-profile players in the women’s game who have suffered ACL injuries, including Lionesses captain Leah Williamson.
Kerr was also hit by injury ahead of last year’s World Cup, which was in Australia, and she was forced to miss the start of the tournament. The striker was disrupted by a calf injury and has had more back luck since, with this knee injury forcing her to miss the Olympics.
West Ham midfielder Katrina Gorry has also missed out on the Australia squad for the pre-Olympics friendlies due to an ankle injury.
Gorry was one of the stars of Australia’s run to the World Cup semi-finals last year, earning him a move to the Women’s Super League.
