After nearly two years of frustration, setbacks, and recovery, Sam Kerr finally returned to Chelsea’s starting lineup — and did so in style. The Australian striker marked her first start in 692 days with a brace in Chelsea’s 6-0 Champions League demolition of St. Pölten, capping a night of emotion and redemption.
Kerr’s last start for the Blues came on 20 December 2023, when she scored in a 3-1 win over BK Häcken. Weeks later, her momentum was abruptly halted by an anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered during a training camp in January 2024. Multiple rehabilitation setbacks kept her sidelined until September this year, turning her return into one of the most anticipated comebacks in women’s football.
Having scored twice in nine substitute appearances since her return, Kerr seized the opportunity to make her first start count. Her two expertly taken goals reflected both her finishing instincts and her determination to return to peak form.
“It feels good,” Kerr told Disney+. “I felt like I had to work myself into the game, but I’m happy to score. When you come on for 20 minutes, it’s always a bit chaotic. Starting gave me rhythm — and I’m just happy to be back in the Champions League again with this amazing team. I’m relishing every moment.”
Early in the match, Kerr showed signs of rust, missing three first-half chances and misjudging a run that led to Naomi Girma’s header being ruled out for offside. But as the game wore on, she rediscovered the sharpness that has long defined her career.
Her first goal came from a Wieke Kaptein cross, which she controlled brilliantly before rifling home with her right foot. Moments later, she timed her run perfectly to meet Niamh Charles’ delivery, guiding a header into the top corner — vintage Kerr.
“It feels a bit sweeter but also a bit weird,” she admitted. “I didn’t score for so long that I kind of forgot how to celebrate. I need to score a few more to get that feeling back.”
Next on her personal checklist is a Women’s Super League start, something she hasn’t managed since December 2023. With Aggie Beever-Jones sidelined and Liverpool up next on Sunday, Kerr could finally make that long-awaited league return.
“I feel 100%, but after being out for so long, it’s about building up,” she said. “The national team minutes helped, and today was another step. I’m fit — I just need more minutes in the legs now. I’m ready to go.”
Kerr wasn’t the only player marking a comeback. Lauren James returned after 225 days out with an ankle injury suffered during Euro 2025, while January signing Naomi Girma made her first start of the season.
Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor welcomed the selection boost as the Blues continue to balance domestic and European campaigns.
“It’s crucial to have everyone available, not just for quality but for depth,” Bompastor said. “The turnaround between matches has been quick, so being able to rotate with fresh legs makes a huge difference.”
With Beever-Jones nearing a return and Guro Reiten set to come back from parental leave, Bompastor could soon face a welcome selection dilemma — one she embraces.
“I like to have that problem,” she smiled. “It’s always better for a manager to have options and make tough choices. These players are top quality, and that competition drives standards. I’m comfortable with it — it’s part of the job.”
Kerr’s comeback, coupled with Chelsea’s growing strength in depth, signals a timely boost for a side with ambitions on both domestic and continental fronts. For Kerr, the long wait may be over — but her hunger to reclaim her place among Europe’s elite is only just beginning.
