Sam Kerr ACL blow highlights impact of dreaded injury in women’s game

On Sunday, another high-profile casualty was added to the ever-increasing list of women players affected by the dreaded anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Chelsea’s prolific striker Sam Kerr sustained the injury during the club’s warm weather training camp in Morocco before the restart of the domestic season and has been ruled out of action for the foreseeable future.

The Australian forward became the latest to be affected, continuing the current spate of ACL issues in the women’s game. At least 13 Women’s Super League players are currently going through recovery, including the England captain, Leah Williamson, the Manchester United defender Gabby George and the Leicester winger Hannah Cain.

Kerr is undoubtedly an icon of the game, and her absence will be felt keenly by both her club and country. With her contract up at the end of this season, there will also be questions about whether she will be seen in a Chelsea shirt again.

Since arriving in west London four years ago, she has become a leading figure in Emma Hayes’s side, scoring 99 goals in 128 matches. Her natural instinct in front of goal, particularly on the biggest of stages, is second to none and has been key to the Blues’ impressive trophy haul (four WSL titles, three FA Cup, two League Cups) since her arrival.

The significant calf injury she suffered on the eve of last summer’s World Cup – one which she was still feeling the effects of at the start of this season – had made it a slow campaign so far by her high standards.

The 30-year-old, however, has still played a significant role as Chelsea look to chase down their fifth successive league title and make another attempt at the elusive Champions League in Hayes’s final season at the club.

Taking on the