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10 years of FIFSam Kerr available to return for Australia in World Cup last 16: ‘I’m really excited’
By Jacob WhiteheadSam Kerr says he she will return for Australia in the World Cup last-16 meeting with Denmark on Monday.
The Chelsea striker — the co-hosts’ talisman and captain — is yet to feature at the tournament after picking up a calf injury last month.
Australia progressed from the group without her — despite a shock defeat by Nigeria — and now face Denmark in the first knockout phase in Sydney.
It remains to be seen how much Kerr will feature but she says she is ready and raring to go.
“I’m really excited. I will play,” Kerr told Channel Nine.
The 29-year-old did return to the bench for the 4-0 win over Canada in the final game of the group and has been training with team-mates in the run up to Monday’s game.
Coach Tony Gustavsson will now consult his medical staff “to see how many minutes will be suitable” and to work out “how we get the most out of Sam Kerr in a game plan.”
“We had a nice moment as a team yesterday, to see her back with the boots on and touching the ball and be with the team training,” Gustavsson said on Sunday.
“And it was a very good feeling for her and a very good feeling for the players and the teammates and a very good feeling for me.
“Today she was off-feet. It’s all an individual plan for her in training – I trust my (medical) team 100% to prepare her the best way possible.”
Australia or Denmark will play either France or Morocco in the quarter-finals.
Spain, Japan and Netherlands are the first three nations to progress to the last eight.
