By Obaloluwa Joshua, LAGOS
Co-hosts Australia have suffered a big blow ahead of the start of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The Australia Football Federation confirmed that the Chelsea forward, Samantha Kerr, has sustained a calf injury in training.
The Matildas captain will now miss the team’s opening fixture against debutants Republic of Ireland on Thursday (today).
Kerr has also been ruled out next week’s clash the Super Falcons of Nigeria.
The striker is expected to return for her country’s final group game against Olympic champions Canada.
The 29-year-old is the poster girl of Australian women’s national team.
She has scored 63 goals in 120 appearances for Australia.