Tameka Yallop insists she’s match to play in opposition to Nigeria on Thursday, however for her star Matildas teammate Sam Kerr, the fact of her personal battle to participate within the FIFA Women’s World Cup appeared to hit dwelling at Australia’s coaching session on Sunday.
Kerr, who injured her calf the day earlier than the Matildas’ first-up Cup 1-0 win over Ireland final Thursday night time, lower a lonely and dejected determine as she sat on an esky watching the remainder of Australia’s squad practice in Brisbane on Sunday.
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The Chelsea striker has already been dominated out of the Matildas’ battle with the Nigerians at Suncorp Stadium, and stays no certainty to be match for Australia’s conflict with Canada on Monday week in Melbourne.
Kerr had earlier on Sunday placed on a courageous face when signing autographs for followers and laughing together with her teammates earlier than the beginning of the coaching session.
However, it was laborious to not sympathise together with her as she was lowered to watching from the sidelines as Matildas have been put by their paces for the primary time since beating the Irish.
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A dejected Sam Kerr watches her Matildas teammates practice on Sunday. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
“It’s disappointing for her personally however she’s additionally very supportive,” Yallop mentioned of her injured captain.
“Sam’s similar to every other participant. We’re a workforce of 23 and he or she helps us from the bench, and we assist her proper again as effectively.
“She nonetheless brings that (presence) irrespective of if she’s sitting on the sidelines or in amongst it. We have a variety of personalities inside the workforce as effectively, so if she’s not there for no matter motive, there are different gamers that may carry her drive to the workforce.”
Sam Kerr sits on the sidelines whereas the Matildas practice. Picture Lachie MillardSource: News Corp Australia
Kerr once more didn’t practice on Monday morning, whereas Kyah Simon was once more lacking. The Spurs striker has not performed since an ACL harm final September and has not participated totally in any coaching periods with the Matildas within the final fortnight, resulting in fears she might not get better in time to function this match.
It presents a major concern for the Matildas’ attacking ranks.
Alanna Kennedy was on restricted duties on Monday, in addition to Sunday (the place Clare Hunt was additionally restricted), however that was reportedly on account of workload administration.
The versatile Yallop is amongst a number of veteran Matildas who will “drive” Australia in Kerr’s absence.
The Norway-based 32-year-old former Brisbane Roar and Melbourne City star it itching to play on Thursday night time after taking no half within the sport in opposition to Ireland on account of a thigh harm she suffered in Australia’s 1-0 pleasant win over France on July 14.
“I’m again on the park and good to go,” mentioned Yallop, who added that the “minor” harm had been a corked third.
“I’ve had loads of corks previously, so I knew the method and it was simply actually about being affected person and letting it get better.
“For me, there wasn’t actually any doubt that I wouldn’t be OK for the rest of the World Cup, so it was nearly being affected person for me
“I all the time love coming again to Queensland. I’m trying ahead to taking part in at (Suncorp) Stadium. I’ve numerous fond recollections there, and we’d like to create extra.”
Sam Kerr was sporting a compression bandage on her injured calf on Monday. Pics Adam HeadSource: News Corp Australia
