Australia's soccer sensation Sam Kerr sidelined for Women's World Cup 2023 group stage due to calf injury

Sam Kerr, star forward for Australia, will miss Women's World Cup.

Australia's star forward, Sam Kerr, has suffered a setback as she will miss the group stage of the Women's World Cup and potentially even more games. Kerr, who is widely regarded as one of the best forwards in women's soccer and the greatest female Australian soccer player of all time, sustained a calf injury during training. This news was revealed just moments before Australia announced their starting lineup for their opening game against Ireland.

During the match against Ireland, Kerr could only watch from the sidelines, dressed in track pants and a coat. This absence is a significant blow to Australia's chances in the tournament, as they entered the 2023 Women's World Cup as a dark horse to win the title on home soil. While they should still have enough quality to progress from Group B and reach the knockout rounds, their prospects of winning the World Cup have undeniably been diminished without Kerr's presence. Group B also features strong teams like Canada and Nigeria, who will face each other on Thursday night.

Prior to Kerr's injury, Australia was considered the fifth-favorite to win the tournament, with odds of +900 at BetMGM. The frontrunners were the United States, England, Spain, and Germany. Kerr, who plays for Chelsea in club soccer, had an impressive season, scoring 12 goals and providing five assists in 21 league matches. Her goal-scoring prowess was evident in the Women's Super League, where she netted 20 goals in just 20 matches during the 2021-22 season and 21 goals in 22 appearances in the 2020-21 season.

With 120 appearances for Australia, Kerr has scored an impressive 63 goals. Hailing from Perth, she earned her first cap for the national team at the tender age of 15. The 2023 World Cup was set to be her fourth appearance in the prestigious tournament. Even if she does manage to return for the knockout rounds, her absence during the group stage is yet another blow for a competition that has already been marred by the absence of several star players due to injuries.

Kerr's impact on the international stage cannot be understated. In the 2019 World Cup, she became the first Australian woman to score a hat trick, showcasing her immense talent. She also played a crucial role in Australia's fourth-place finish at the 2020 Olympics. Her absence will undoubtedly be felt by both her team and the fans, as they will have to navigate the group stage without their star forward.

In conclusion, Sam Kerr's injury is a significant setback for Australia's Women's World Cup campaign. Her absence during the group stage, and potentially even longer, poses a challenge for the team's aspirations. However, the Matildas remain hopeful that they can overcome this hurdle and progress to the knockout rounds. The tournament has already witnessed the absence of several key players, and Kerr's injury only adds to the list. Nevertheless, her remarkable contributions to Australian soccer, both domestically and internationally, cannot be overlooked.

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