Australia is waiting with bated breath for updates after an injury prevented Matildas star Sam Kerr from playing in the nation’s opening Women’s World Cup game against Ireland.
News of the captain’s absence was a tightly-kept secret until the Australian team was announced 60 minutes before Thursday night’s opener, with the story becoming the biggest of the tournament to date.
While the Matildas went on to defeat Ireland 1-0, they then suffered a shock 3-2 loss to Nigeria, leaving their chances of qualifying for the knockout rounds in doubt.
The Sporting News looks at the chances of Sam Kerr returning for the Matildas crucial clash against Canada.
MORE: Matildas injury list: Fowler and Luik join Kerr on sideline
What is Sam Kerr’s injury?
Kerr was struck down by a calf injury at training in Brisbane on Wednesday — one day before the Matildas’ opening World Cup match against Ireland.
The news was kept under wraps by the Australian team until the starting XI was announced 60 minutes before the Ireland kickoff on Thursday night.
Kerr, who was in tears just prior to the Ireland match starting, used an Instagram story to relay a message about her injury and absence.
“Unfortunately I sustained a calf injury yesterday in training,” Kerr wrote. “I wanted to share this with…
