Why is Sam Kerr not playing for Australia vs Ireland in the Women’s World Cup?

SAM Kerr has risen to fame showing off her football skills.

The Australian star has become a fan favourite over the years, but why is she not playing for Australia vs Ireland in the Women’s World Cup?

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Sam Kerr has a calf injury[/caption]

Why is Sam Kerr not playing for Australia vs Ireland in the Women’s World Cup?

Sam Kerr is not playing in the Australian vs Ireland Women’s World Cup match due to an injury.

She has been ruled out for the first two matches because of a calf injury she sustained while training.

She is set to miss the opening Group B game against the Republic of Ireland at Stadium Australia on Thursday as well as being absent against Nigeria on July 27.

The Chelsea forward posted on Instagram: “Unfortunately I sustained a calf injury yesterday in training. 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.”

A statement posted to the Australia team’s Twitter account read: “Sam Kerr is unavailable tonight after she picked up a calf injury at training on matchday minus-one.

“Sam will be unavailable for the next two matches with the Matildas medical team to re-assess her following our second group-stage match.”

Who will replace Sem Kerr?

Sam is set to be replaced by Arsenal defender Steph Catley.

It’s hoped that Kerr will have recovered enough in order to play in Australia’s final match in Group B, against Canada on July 31.

How long does it take to recover from a calf injury?

Depending how serious the calf injury is, it can take up to three months to recover fully.

A typical grade I calf strain will heal in seven to 10 days but a grade II injury can take four to six weeks.

If you have a grade III calf strain you are looking at three months of recovery.

The most common calf injury tends to be grade II.