The Matildas and Sam Kerr have been dealt a devastating blow ahead of an Olympic year with the striker’s club Chelsea confirming she has sustained an ACL injury.

Kerr had been in a training camp with Chelsea in Morocco ahead of the Women’s Super League resumption in a fortnight’s time when she suffered the injury.

The Chelsea said in a statement: “Chelsea Football Club can confirm striker Sam Kerr has sustained an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during our warm weather training camp in Morocco.

“Sam will be assessed by a specialist in the coming days and then begin her rehabilitation with the club’s medical team.

“Everyone at Chelsea would like to wish Sam the very best for her recovery.”

Keep your head up, @SamKerr1.

We’re all with you. 💙 pic.twitter.com/m4m2U3K0Rc

— Chelsea FC Women (@ChelseaFCW) January 7, 2024

Typically ACL injuries are 10-12-month absences, making Kerr unlikely to be available for the Paris Olympics that start in late July.

Ellie Carpenter produced a quick turnaround from an ACL injury in eight months, after sustaining the injury in the 2022 UEFA Champions League final, to take her place at the 2023 Women’s World Cup.

Kerr scored six goals in Chelsea’s final five games prior to the winter break. She has four goals and three assists in eight league games for the Blues, plus five goals in four games in the UEFA Champions League.