Sam Kerr Vows to Reclaim Matildas Captaincy

Sam Kerr has vowed to reclaim the Matildas captaincy after returning from a ruptured ACL and a roughly 20-month layoff during which she became a mother. The Chelsea forward has been recalled to Australia’s squad for a friendly against Wales in Cardiff as she builds back toward full fitness, though she says she is not yet 90‑minute fit. Football Australia will make the final decision on the captaincy after Steph Catley wore the armband during Kerr’s absence. Kerr was involved in a high‑profile London trial earlier this year and was acquitted of racially aggravated harassment; reporters were asked not to question her about the case. She is targeting the home Women’s Asian Cup in March as her main objective.