In a heartbreaking setback for Chelsea Women, star forward Sam Kerr has been dealt a severe blow, with the club confirming that she has sustained an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, reported by GOAL. The devastating news comes as the team was gearing up for their first game of 2024 following a winter break during a training camp in Morocco.

The injury occurred during a routine training session, putting a premature end to Kerr's season. The Australian international, a key player for the Blues, is set to undergo further assessment by a specialist in the coming days before embarking on a rehabilitation journey with the club's medical team.

An official update on Chelsea's website expressed, “Chelsea Football Club can confirm striker Sam Kerr has sustained an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during our warm weather training camp in Morocco.”

Kerr's absence will undoubtedly be felt by Chelsea, given her instrumental role in the team's success. The prolific forward played a pivotal part in securing four Women's Super League titles, three Women's FA Cups, and a memorable run to the Champions League final. In the current season, she has notched up four goals and two assists in the WSL, adding five goals across four Women's Champions League matches.

The unfortunate injury to Kerr also highlights a concerning trend in women's football, with a growing number of players succumbing to ACL injuries in recent years. Since 2021, several high-profile athletes, including Leah Williamson, Alexia Putellas, Beth Mead, Vivianne Miedema, Catarina Macario, Marie-Antoinette Katoto, Laura Wienroither, Chloe Kelly, and Aoife Mannion, have faced extended periods of absence due to ACL-related setbacks.

As Kerr begins her road to recovery, Chelsea will regroup and focus on their upcoming challenge in the Women's FA Cup, where they are set to face West Ham on January 14. The team will strive to overcome this setback and continue their pursuit of success in Kerr's absence.