For just over four years Sam Kerr has led the line for Chelsea - helping the Blues to an unprecedented era of success in the process.
Kerr, 31, has 58 goals in just 75 WSL games for Chelsea helping them win the league title in every season she has played for the club.
Even in a squad with as much quality as Chelsea’s, Kerr’s absence is still keenly felt as she remains on the sidelines with an ACL injury. So when might we see her back on the pitch?
Sam Kerr’s injury and when she could return to playing
Kerr ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament at a warm weather training camp during the 2023-24 winter break, becoming the latest name to have suffered the injury in the women’s game – an ongoing problem widely described as an epidemic.
Chelsea confirmed the injury on January 7, 2024 - and that she would miss the remainder of that season. The Blues still managed to win the WSL in spite of their star players' absence, with Kerr was spotted in the team celebrations on the final day of the season.
Despite the injury her future at Stamford Bridge is assured, Kerr putting pen to paper on a new two-year contract in June.
Most players to have suffered an ACL take between nine and 14 months to fully recover – although this is dependent on the age and injury history of the individual.
Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor gave an update to fans in early December about the Matildas captain.
"We are looking to have her back with us in February, March, not before that," Bompastor said of the Australian striker.
"She didn't start yet to train, even being modified with the group, so she's still on her individual process rehab and I think it will take at least two or three more months for her to be fit enough to be with the squad."
Kerr was also included in the travelling Chelsea squad who went to Portugal on a warm weather camp in January.
2024 did give Kerr plenty of good news off the pitch – her and partner Kristie Mewis, of the USWNT and West Ham, having announced they are expecting their first child together.