<\/p>\n
Sam Kerr has revealed how Chelsea are working with the Matildas to ensure they both get the best out of the top striker in the women’s game leading into the World Cup.<\/p>\n
After her match-winning display in the exceptional 2-0 win over England in London ended with her hobbling away with another leg knock, Kerr was quick to brush away suggestions that she’d gone into the Tuesday’s match carrying an injury.<\/p>\n
Instead, she explained, her absence from Friday’s loss to Scotland was all about ensuring her workload is managed to ensure she’s firing for both club and country over the next few months.<\/p>\n
With both the Champions League with Chelsea and the World Cup with the Matildas to aim for, Kerr smiled after scoring one goal and assisting on the other against England.<\/p>\n
“No, no injury”, she said.<\/p>\n
“Look, I’ve had a big few months, I’ve got a bit of a sore foot but it was about the bigger picture.<\/p>\n
“There’s a World Cup coming and between Chelsea and the national team, we’ve tried to figure out the best plan for myself, which is best for both teams.<\/p>\n
“And this week, the best plan after a really big month with Chelsea, it was best we managed my load. So the plan was always just to be playing 90 minutes tonight.”<\/p>\n
But coach Tony Gustavsson admitted the first thing he asked Kerr after the final whistle was, ‘How are you?’<\/p>\n
“That’s because I was really worried,” said the Swede.<\/p>\n
“Yes, I was happy about the win but my concern was about her health, considering the situation we have, considering her importance.<\/p>\n
“She didn’t play versus Scotland, she’s coming from a very tough period in clubland and we want to look at the bigger picture to minimise the minutes for her – but I also knew how much she wanted to play this game.”<\/p>\n
Kerr was thrilled by the victory but definitely not getting carried away.<\/p>\n
“We’ve got a lot of players out, but unfortunately beating England doesn’t win us anything – I wouldn’t be here if it did, I’d be out celebrating!,” Kerr said.<\/p>\n
“They’re a great team. It’s always nice to put in a good team performance and beat a top team. But we better take everything with a grain of salt before the World Cup – it’s about building on our performances and where we can get better.<\/p>\n
“So, of course, it feels really nice right now and we will enjoy it tonight, but it’s just one step on the journey to the World Cup.”<\/p>\n
Kerr was already turning her focus on the weekend’s crucial Women’s Super League fixture for Chelsea against Aston Villa.<\/p>\n
“I’ve jarred my knee a little bit – but I’ll be ready for Villa on Sunday,” she promised.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n