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The Matildas will play against South Korea without their star striker, Sam Kerr, who is still recovering from a knee injury. Kerr has been out since January, and there is no clear timeline for her return. Coach Tony Gustavsson has not given details about her recovery, which has created some uncertainty. The team will need to rely on other players to step up in her absence.

Despite missing Kerr, the Matildas are focused on performing well in their upcoming matches. The squad includes experienced players and young talents who will have the chance to prove themselves. Fans are hopeful that Kerr will recover soon, but for now, Australia must find a way to compete without their top goal scorer.

Chelsea striker Sam Kerr will not return to play before the international break in April, according to manager Sonia Bompastor. The Australian forward, 31, has been out for over a year due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained in January 2024. Despite returning to individual training in January, Kerr is still not fit to rejoin the squad. Bompastor stated that they are monitoring her progress weekly and will reassess her situation after the break. Chelsea has three more matches before then, including two against Manchester City and one against West Ham.

Kerr was included in Chelsea’s Champions League squad but did not play in their recent loss to Manchester City. Australia’s interim coach, Tom Sermanni, had hoped she would be available for two friendlies against South Korea in early April, but her return remains uncertain. In February, Kerr was found not guilty of racially aggravated harassment following an incident with a Metropolitan Police officer.