Chelsea’s Sam Kerr Sidelined Until February or March

According to manager Sonia Bompastor, Chelsea forward Sam Kerr is anticipated to be unavailable until February or March. The 31-year-old Australian international sustained an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in January 2024 during a training camp with the club. Kerr is among multiple Chelsea players currently sidelined with a knee injury, including midfielder Sophie Ingle, defender Kadeisha Buchanan, and striker Mia Fishel. Separately, England international Lauren James, 23, is projected to be out of action until the new year. She has not played since October’s Women’s Champions League win against FC Twente, having sustained a calf injury. Providing a more positive update for Chelsea, England full-back Niamh Charles has been declared “completely fit” and is set to be available for selection for this weekend’s Women’s Super League fixture against Brighton, following her recovery from a dislocated shoulder.