Sam Kerr has been ruled out of Australia’s opening two World Cup matches with a calf injury.
The Matildas confirmed the news just over an hour before the co-hosts get their campaign underway against the Republic of Ireland at Stadium Australia in Sydney on Thursday.
“Unfortunately I sustained a calf injury yesterday in training,” Kerr said on Instagram.
“I wanted to share this with everyone so there is no distraction from us doing what we came here to achieve.
“Of course I would have loved to have been out there tonight but I can’t wait to be a part of this amazing journey which starts now.”
The injury means Australia’s captain will also miss at least their second group game against Nigeria on Thursday 27 July.
And with the Matildas stating they will “re-assess” Kerr before their final Group B game with Canada on Monday 31 July, it remains possible the 29-year-old will not be available until the knockout stages – providing they get there.
The Chelsea striker is the all-time leading goalscorer for Australia, with 63 goals in 120 appearances.
In her place, Manchester City striker Mary Fowler was selected to start against Ireland.
Analysis: Kerr’s absence makes Group B more open
By Katherine Lucas at Stadium Australia
Kerr was supposed to be the face of the Women’s World Cup – she is as catastrophic a miss for the tournament itself as she is for Australia.
There are portraits and street artworks of her across Sydney and closer to home in Fremantle, Western Australia. Australia’s status as potential dark horses is almost entirely down to the presence of the four-time Ballon d’Or nominee and their all-time record goalscorer.
While the Chelsea striker sits out the opening two games, the co-hosts will be depending on Caitlin Foord, Katrina Gorry and Ellie Carpenter for goals. Kerr has only scored twice for her country this calendar year, so they have already been leaning on goals from elsewhere.
It is by no means a death knell to their hopes but Group B suddenly looks a lot more open. It will be a masterstroke from Matildas boss Tony Gustavsson if they can top the group without her.
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