Perth Glory attacker Samantha Kerr’s season has come to a bitter end with a knee injury ruling the Matildas star out of the Westfield W-League finals.
Kerr, 21, has been a key player in Glory’s historic first Premiership success this season, scoring 11 goals in a record-breaking campaign.
She was on target in last weekend’s final regular season match away to Canberra United before limping off with a knee injury.
Despite earlier optimism she should be fit to play in Sunday’s W-League semi-final against Sydney FC at nib Stadium, scans revealed damage to the joint surface cartilage of her left knee, which requires surgery.
She will be treated by Australian national team doctors in Adelaide and will be out of action for up to three months.
Coach Jamie Harnwell was bitterly disappointed for Kerr and acknowledged the blow to the team.
“She’s been exceptional for us this year, not just with the goals she’s scored but her overall commitment to helping drive Perth Glory to the top of the W-League,” Harnwell said.
“Obviously, you will always miss a player of her calibre. It’s awful for her and it’s a blow to us as a club but I’m confident we have the quality in the squad to cope.
“We’ll keep pushing towards our goal and whatever we achieve will be down to the contribution of every player in the squad.”
Kerr has her fingers crossed her teammates can secure Glory’s first Westfield W-League semi-final win, which would in turn ensure the team hosted the Grand Final at nib Stadium on December 21.
“I’m devastated to miss the finals series but I have 100% belief in Jamie and the girls to go all the way,” she said. “Hopefully, this year is our year.”
Glory goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold was also injured against Canberra when she received a heavy knock to the face. Scans cleared her of serious injury and she is expected to be fit to take on Sydney.
