In Focus: Kerr can help Matildas Waltz into quarter-finals

Sam Kerr is on the cusp of a return for Australia. 

The Matildas' captain has missed all three of the co-hosts' group games due to a calf injury sustained at the very start of the tournament. 

Kerr, 29, was named on the bench for the crunch clash against Canada but was not needed in the 4-0 win that secured qualification to the knockout stages. 

We take a look at just how much of a boost her return would be for Australia as they prepare to face Denmark in the last 16.

Best in the world?

Denmark head coach Lars Sondergaard hailed Kerr as one of the world's leading centre forwards as he prepares his side to deal with potentially facing her.

He said: "[Kerr] can score goals, she has a fantastic header, she's quick. She is perhaps the best striker in the world. 

"Of course, you have to have an eye on her — if she's fit, of course. 

"We know she can be out of a game and then suddenly she's in the right place at the right moment."

Individual records

Kerr's reputation is well-earned. 

Australia's all-time top scorer with 63 goals in 121 caps, she also holds the record for the most goals in the NWSL (77).

Kerr is the only player to have been named the division's top scorer more than once, doing so in three consecutive seasons between 2017 and 2019.

She is also one of just two players, along with Vivianne Miedema, to boast multiple WSL Golden Boots (twoeach), scooping the award in 2020-21 (21 goals) and 2021-22 (20 goals).

Successful season

Kerr did not scale her usual heights last season but still netted 12 times and helped Chelsea to their fourth consecutive league title. 

Her goal tally was still the fourth-best in the division and she overperformed her xG of 10.7 from 79 shots. 

Her work as a focal point was also crucial to the side's success, winning an impressive 47 aerial duels and taking 157 touches in the attacking penalty area. 

Australia could certainly use those qualities as they look to record a best-ever World Cup finish on home soil.

Super-sub?

Former Australia international Robbie Slater is not convinced that Kerr will be involved from the start against Denmark. 

He said: "If it's a minor strain, [Kerr] should be fine by [the game against Denmark]. 

"It'll be almost three weeks and that's about the recovery timeframe. 

"Going on what happened [against Canada], I'd be very surprised if she started. 

"I think she'll be on the bench again. [Tony Gustavsson] has shown his hand."

Team leader

Even if Kerr is restricted to a role from the bench, Australia manager Tony Gustavsson believes her leadership will have an impact on the team. 

He said: "Just because Sam wasn't on the park [against Canada], doesn't mean she wasn't in the team. 

"The way she leads the team and what she gives to the team off the field as well, it's not just in the locker room or on the bus but at the hotel and in the media room and the meetings." 

Be that as it may, the success or failure of Australia's World Cup bid may well hinge on the availability of their superstar.