Sam Kerr feeling ‘100 per cent’ after clinical return to starting XI

Sam Kerr said she is ready for more game time after scoring twice on her first Chelsea start since December 2023 in the 6-0 win against St Polten.

It moved Sonia Bompastor’s team up to third in the Women’s Champions League table and laid down a marker in the competition.

Kerr, who spent almost two years out with an anterior cruciate ligament injury, netted with a fine finish across the goalkeeper in the 75th minute then headed in Niamh Charles’ cross in stoppage time.

“It was good,” said the Australia striker. “I felt like I had to work myself into it.

“They did a good job of defending to be fair, they collapsed in the midfield. Luckily the ball fell to me and I have good team-mates around me.

“I prefer to play more. When you come on with 20 minutes to go it can be hectic. I feel 100 per cent but I was out for a while so I have to build myself up.

“Today was a good step. Being with the national team was a good step. I am definitely fit enough but it is about getting the miles in my legs.”

Chelsea went ahead after 12 minutes. Macario slid the ball up to Ellie Carpenter, who picked out Wieke Kaptein’s run into the box. The home side had numbers back but were unable to prevent the Netherlands international slipping the ball beyond goalkeeper Carina Schluter into the bottom corner.

A minute before half-time they doubled their lead through Macario’s clinical finish, and she added a penalty after the break.

Kerr’s first goal since her return gave the scoreline the gloss Chelsea’s dominance had warranted, but there was more to come in the closing stages.

Lauren James’ cross was deflected into her own net by the unfortunate Lisa Ebert before Kerr headed in Niamh Charles’ cross in stoppage time.