Sam Kerr wait continues as Ellie Carpenter shines in Chelsea debut

Sam Kerr will have to wait at least another week to make her much-anticipated return to the pitch, but it was better news for Matildas teammate Ellie Carpenter shone on her Chelsea debut.

Erin Smith

@_Erin_Smith

less than 2 min read

September 6, 2025 - 1:28PM

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Chelsea's Sam Kerr was left on the bench in the Blues’ win over Manchester City at Stamford Bridge. Picture: AP

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Sam Kerr will have to wait at least another week to make her much-anticipated return to the pitch, left to watch from the bench as Matildas teammate Ellie Carpenter helped Chelsea to a 2-1 win over Manchester City in the opening round of the English Women’s Super League.

Kerr was named in the match day squad for the first time since rupturing her ACL in January 2024.

Leading into the opening round of the season Chelsea coach Sonia Bompastor said Kerr would play a role in the game, but the star striker didn’t get a chance to run on to the pitch.

Sam Kerr warms up before Chelsea’s clash with Manchester City at Stamford Bridge. Picture: AP

Sam Kerr was an unused substitute, as her wait to return to football continues. Picture: AP

Kerr will be desperate to get some match minutes under her boots in the next few weeks to improve her chances of being selected in the next Matildas camp in October - where the squad will play Wales, in one of their final few camps before the 2026 Asian Women’s Cup.

The striker wasn’t the only Matildas player in the squad with Carpenter impressing in her opening WSL game.

Carpenter had an impact from the start and it was her brilliant run down the wing and cross to Aggie Beever-Jones in the 31st minute that got Chelsea on the board.

Ellie Carpenter made an instant impact for Chelsea. Picture: Getty Images

A second goal in the 64th minute sealed them a win, despite a late consolation goal to City.

In other Matildas news Emily van Egmond has made the move from second tier club Birmingham to WSL side Leicester just in time for the start of the season.

Matildas trio Steph Catley, Caitlin Foord and Kyra Cooney-Cross are all expected to play in Arsenal’s opening game against London City at 10.30pm.