Sam Kerr's Olympic dream shattered
Matildas captain Sam Kerr has been forced to sit out of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games after still feeling the after effects of an injury she sustained early in the year.
In early January, Kerr suffered an ACL injury while on a training camp and despite her best efforts to recover for the Games, Football Australia confirmed she would continue her rehabilitation program in her home club environment and will not be available for selection.
Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson said the team has been dealing with a lot of difficult injuries, which has affected who will be eligible for the team selection.
“Unfortunately we have had a very very tough period with injuries,” Gustavsson said.
“I just got the summary sheet here a week ago and 15 out of these 37 players are either injured or just coming back from injury which means some of the players that are selected now is selected to be evaluated where they are with their physical status in the gym window and see where they will potentially be come the Olympics."
“I think everyone can do the math here and understand that obviously the Olympic roster will be based mostly out of those that are in camp. “
Gustavsson already has a clear picture of which players he wants in which positions to form the best possible team to send to Paris, but knows he may have to wait to see who is actually available as the Matildas pursue a first ever Olympics medal.
“This window will be a tough one for me and my staff in terms of evaluating players, where they are, and then the final selection process for Paris,” he said.
“With the Olympics approaching, selection is about seeing the overall picture over four years of performance and assembling the best team possible. We are pleased and confident we have those options across the pitch.”
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