Sam Kerr injury update: Latest news on when Matildas star will be back for Australia at Women's World Cup 2023

Australia is waiting with bated breath for updates after an injury prevented Matildas star Sam Kerr from playing in the nation's opening Women's World Cup game against Ireland.

News of the captain's absence was a tightly-kept secret until the Australian team was announced 60 minutes before Thursday night's opener, with the story becoming the biggest of the tournament to date.

While the Matildas went on to defeat Ireland 1-0, Kerr's presence for the team will be crucial in any success they have in the World Cup. The Sporting News has all the latest.

 Why was Sam Kerr not playing for Australia vs. Republic of Ireland?

Kerr was struck down by a calf injury at training in Brisbane on Wednesday — one day before the Matildas' opening World Cup match against Ireland.

The news was kept under wraps by the Australian team until the starting XI was announced 60 minutes before the Ireland kickoff on Thursday night.

Kerr, who was in tears just prior to the Ireland match starting, used an Instagram story to relay a message about her injury and absence.

"Unfortunately I sustained a calf injury yesterday in training," Kerr wrote. "I wanted to share this with everyone so there is no distraction from us doing what we came here to achieve.

"Of course I would have loved to have been out there tonight but I can’t wait to be apart (sic) of this amazing journey which starts now."

After the match, Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson admitted the news of Kerr's injury was kept secret to disrupt Ireland's preparation, while also giving the team's star a chance to get the issue assessed.

"First of all, I hope you and the media understand the position not to say," Gustavsson told Channel 7.

"Some people might wonder why we weren’t honest in the press conference.