Kerr admits she is only 85 percent fit ahead of Womens Asian Cup

Australia skipper Sam Kerr confessed on Saturday that she remains just 85 percent fit as the Womens Asian Cup approaches but the forward from Chelsea cautioned that she is beginning to regain her top form.

Kerr made her comeback for Chelsea in September during her initial outing since suffering a major knee problem back in December 2023.

Preparing adequately for the Asian Cup on home ground has dominated her thoughts and the 32 year old is set to captain Australia versus the Philippines in Perth this Sunday for the tournaments kick off involving 12 sides.

After such a lengthy absence you start to question yourself she explained adding that she netted a goal versus Manchester United in her last game prior to joining the Asian Cup squad.

Yet I have been surrounded by wonderful support and I feel truly comfortable with the Matildas which helps me ease back into my natural rhythm she continued.

I am not quite claiming full fitness there has not been a match where I sensed I was totally at my best yet perhaps around 85 percent or more.

As the sole remaining player from the Matildas squad that claimed the title in 2010 Kerr is appearing in her fifth Asian Cup.

Even now that victory stands out as a highlight of my career in the sport she reflected on the earlier triumph.

This current group is so eager to achieve success as a unit and every member is determined to deliver a trophy for the Matildas she noted.

Australia previously overwhelmed the Philippines 8 0 during their encounter at the 2023 World Cup.

However this upcoming match could prove tighter with the Philippines showing progress under their manager Mark Torcaso.

We keep battling until the final whistle no matter the situation Torcaso stated. We will stay in the fight be persistent and keep applying pressure.

The group also features South Korea and Iran.

Australia faces some concerns over injuries as their primary goalkeeper Teagan Micah sits out the event due to concussion while backup Mackenzie Arnold has hardly practised this week.

This situation presents coach Joe Montemurro with options like Chloe Lincoln who has earned only three international appearances or the inexperienced Jada Whyman as reserves.

We are keeping a close eye on it alongside our medical team and we will finalise choices within the coming day he mentioned. I am yet to settle on my opening lineup.