Matildas coach makes new comment about Sam Kerr amid brutal situation before Olympics

Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson has suggested sidelined captain Sam Kerr will not form part of his focus during Australia's preparations for the Olympic Games in Paris later this year. Gustavsson's side has been using behind-closed-doors games in the United States this week to fine-tune things before Wednesday's (AEST) friendly match against World No.31 Mexico in San Antonio.

Kerr is of course unavailable to the Matildas for their Olympic campaign after rupturing an anterior cruciate ligament while training with Chelsea in January. The brutal blow saw Kerr ruled out of the rest of the Women's Super League season in England and leaves Gustavsson without his talismanic leader for Australia's Olympics campaign, which begins in July.

The 30-year-old has also faced calls to be stripped of the Matildas captaincy after failing to inform Football Australia about her police charge and recent court appearance, stemming from an incident in London in January, 2023. Kerr allegedly called a police officer something in the realms of "stupid white copper" and was charged with using insulting, threatening or abusive words that caused alarm or distress.

Kerr allegedly kept the charge a secret from Football Australia for about six weeks, in what some have argued is a breach of the code of conduct that's seen her position as national captain come under scrutiny. Another hearing is scheduled for April 26 where Kerr’s legal team will apply to have the case dismissed on grounds of abuse of process.

Matildas coach not focusing on sidelined captain Sam Kerr

Football Australia and Gustavsson have consistently thrown their support behind Kerr though and the Matildas coach said week he would not be commenting on the superstar striker while legal proceedings are ongoing. He also said his focus would only be on players competing at the Paris Games, insinuating there is little hope Kerr will make a miraculous comeback to feature for Australia.

"Football Australia and myself are going to respect the fact that there's an ongoing legal process," the Matildas coach told reporters in the United States. "During that time, my focus is going to be 100 per cent on players that are available for selection."

Tony Gustavsson mixing things up before Matildas friendly

Gustavsson's side will have an experimental look about it against Mexico this week, due to a raft of players being unavailable. Emily Gielnik suffered a calf injury in camp, while Aivi Luik (hamstring), Katrina Gorry (ankle), Clare Hunt (foot), Courtney Nevin and Chloe Logarzo (both hip) were unable to travel due to recent issues. The Matildas coach says the seven-day camp in America gives him a great chance to test out new formations and tactics, and see some different players in action for the national side.

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"It was a massive opportunity for us to try different ways, different players, different tactics, different game management stuff in a closed door environment to not reveal too much," Gustavsson said. "Trying things we feel the need to improve come Olympics. Tomorrow will be a time - I don't like the word experiments - but it will be a day when we're going to try a lot of things."

Gustavsson faces a challenge for the Olympics in only being able to select a squad of 18 players, including two goalkeepers. That's down from the 23-player squad used at last year's World Cup and means 16 outfielders must play seven matches in 17 days if the Matildas are once again to reach the semi-finals.

with AAP