Bitter injury blow for Sam Kerr as she’s ruled out of Matildas matches after four more Aussie stars were forced to pull out

Matildas captain Sam Kerr will miss the two friendly matches against Olympic champions Canada due to a foot injury in the latest injury setback for coach Tony Gustavsson.

The star striker will remain in London to have treatment with her place in the squad taken by midfielder Sarah Hunter, the 20-year-old earning her first senior national team call-up.

‘We can today confirm that Chelsea striker Sam Kerr will not feature in Australia’s forthcoming international fixtures and will remain with the club for treatment on a foot injury,’ Chelsea said in a statement.

‘The 30-year-old has withdrawn from the Matildas squad and will not feature in their upcoming international friendly double-header against Canada in Victoria and Vancouver respectively.

‘Sam will remain with Chelsea and undergo further assessment from the club’s medical department during this period.’ 

It comes after Kerr missed most of the FIFA World Cup in Australia with calf injuries. 

World Cup hero goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold has also been ruled out, replaced by Sydney FC goalkeeper Jada Whyman

The loss of so many big names will give coach Tony Gustavsson a chance to give others in his 30-player squad a chance to shine

The news comes a day after it was confirmed Charlotte Grant (hamstring), Holly McNamara (knee), Courtnee Vine (hamstring) and World Cup hero goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold would also miss the Canada games.

Arnold, who is captain of West Ham United in the English Women’s Super League, was ruled out with an arm injury.

‘Arnold sustained the injury in training on Saturday,’ West Ham said on X. [She] will work with our medical team throughout the international break on her rehabilitation. 

Tigres UANL forward Alex Chidiac, Leicester City forward Remy Siemsen and Sydney FC goalkeeper Jada Whyman had already been called up to replace Arnold, Grant and McNamara.

Now 20-year-old Sarah Hunter will join the squad to fill Kerr’s spot. 

Chelsea ace Kerr played on Monday, scoring a first-half goal in their 5-2 WSL win over Leicester City before being replaced in the 81st minute.

She also scored a hat-trick in last week’s 4-1 Champions League win over Paris FC.

Hunter is a former Young Matildas U20 Women’s World Cup captain who currently plays with the top-flight French club.

Australia will take on Canada from 2.30am (AEDT) in Langford on Saturday before a second clash on December 6 in Vancouver.