Australia announces Sam Kerr's absence from Paris Olympics

Australia has announced that their star captain Sam Kerr will not be able to participate in the women's Olympic soccer at the Paris Games. She is currently recovering from a serious knee injury. The injury, an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, was sustained during a training camp in Morocco in January. Given the nature of the injury, Kerr's availability for the Paris Games was uncertain.

Football Australia (FA) made an announcement on Tuesday regarding the squad for Australia's upcoming two-match home series against China, set to begin in Adelaide on May 31.

FA stated that attacker Amy Sayer and forward Sam Kerr will continue to be sidelined due to long-term injuries, with both players dealing with ACL injuries.

In Kingston upon Thames, England, on February 16, 2024, Sam Kerr from Chelsea Women played in a match against Manchester City in the Barclays Women's Super League at Kingsmeadow.

KINGSTON UPON THAMES, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 16: Sam Kerr of Chelsea Women during the Barclays Women¥s Super League match between Chelsea FC and Manchester City at Kingsmeadow on February 16, 2024 in Kingston upon Thames, England. (Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images)

Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images/File

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Australian soccer player Sam Kerr has pleaded not guilty to a 'racially aggravated offense'. As a result, Kerr and Sayer will focus on their rehabilitation programs with their respective club teams and will not be able to participate in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Australia coach Tony Gustavsson mentioned on Tuesday that the 23-woman squad announced is a good indication of his potential Olympic lineup. However, he also noted that players like Katrina Gorry and Aivi Luik, who were left out due to injuries, could still be considered for the final team.

Gustavsson expressed confidence that Gorry and Luik will likely recover in time to be included in the Olympic roster.

This upcoming window will pose a challenge for me and my team as we assess players, determine their progress, and ultimately make decisions for the Paris selection process.

Australia is aiming to secure their first Olympic medal in Paris following their impressive performance in the semi-finals of the Women's World Cup on home turf last year.

Editor's P/S:

The news of Sam Kerr's absence from the Paris Olympics due to an ACL injury is a major setback for the Australian women's soccer team. Kerr is their star player and captain, and her absence will be a significant loss. However, the team remains confident that they can still achieve success in Paris, and they will be looking to other players to step up and fill the void left by Kerr.

Kerr's injury is a reminder of the physical toll that soccer can take on players. ACL injuries are common in soccer, and they can be very serious. Kerr is fortunate to have access to the best medical care, and she is expected to make a full recovery. However, her injury is a reminder that even the best players are not immune to injury, and that soccer is a demanding sport that can sometimes lead to serious consequences.