Women's World Cup 2023: Sam Kerr 'definitely going to be available' for Australia's crunch clash with Canada

Sam Kerr has confirmed she will be available for selection for Australia’s final group game of the 2023 Women's World Cup against Canada on Monday.

The Chelsea star has missed the opening two games of the tournament against Nigeria and Ireland due to injury.

The loss to Nigeria means Australia in all likelihood need a win over Canada to advance to the knockout stages, and Kerr will be in contention for the host nation.

"I'm feeling good," Kerr, who has been nursing a calf injury, said. "I was out on the pitch today.

"It's going to go down to the wire - I'm definitely going to be available.

"The plan has always been the same - miss the first two games and then reassess.

"I've done everything under the sun to get fit to be selected. I've given everything in the last 10 days, and four years before that, to be here."

Going into the final round of games in Group B, Nigeria sit top on four points - with Canada in second on goal difference.

Australia have three points and on the assumption that Nigeria beat Republic of Ireland, a positive result against Canada is required to keep the hosts in the tournament.

Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson will work with the medical staff to see how best to deploy Kerr against Canada.

"If she's available we're going to need to come up with a plan together to see what we can do to maximise the potential minutes she has - if she's available," he said.

Kerr’s Australia team-mate Ellie Carpenter said: “We're all supporting her, and it's great for her to have her boots back on, as she's a world-class player.

"Mentally, it's massive to have her available, and for the opposition too, knowing we have her available for this game. We're excited to have her back in the squad."

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