After nearly two years of waiting, Chelsea striker Sam Kerr has finally made her long-awaited return to the starting lineup — and she did it in style. The Australian superstar marked her comeback with two brilliant goals as Chelsea thrashed Austrian side St. Pölten 6–0 in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, showing the football world that she’s back to her best.

A Long Road to Recovery

Kerr’s return on Tuesday was more than just another match — it was a personal triumph nearly 692 days in the making. The last time she started for Chelsea was on December 20, 2023, when she scored in a 3–1 win over BK Häcken.

Just weeks later, her career took an unexpected turn. During a warm-weather training camp in January 2024, the forward suffered a devastating ACL injury that sidelined her for more than a year. A series of setbacks and lengthy rehabilitation kept her off the pitch until September 2025, when she finally began making substitute appearances.

Speaking to Disney+ after her emotional comeback, Kerr said:

“It feels good. I felt like I had to work myself into it, but I’m just happy to score. Of course, I prefer to play more minutes. When you come on for 20 minutes, it’s hectic — lots of subs, it can be wishy-washy. Today was good. I’m just happy to be back playing in the Champions League again. I’m relishing every moment.”

From Missed Chances to Magic Moments

Despite a few missed opportunities in the first half — including a shot over the bar and an offside call that ruled out a goal from Naomi Girma’s header — Kerr quickly found her rhythm.

Her first goal showcased her trademark composure and technique. A perfect cross from Wieke Kaptein was met by Kerr’s deft touch and a thunderous right-footed strike that left Carina Schluter, St. Pölten’s goalkeeper, with no chance.

Minutes later, she doubled her tally with a powerful header from Niamh Charles’ cross, sealing Chelsea’s dominance and reminding Europe why she’s one of the best forwards in women’s football.

“It feels a bit sweeter but also a bit weird,” Kerr admitted. “I didn’t score for so long that I almost forgot how to celebrate. I think I need to score a few more before I get that feeling back.”

Eyeing a WSL Comeback

Now that Kerr has completed her first full start, she’s setting her sights on returning to the Women’s Super League (WSL). Her last WSL start came on December 17, 2023.

With Aggie Beever-Jones currently sidelined by a dead leg, Kerr could feature in the starting XI against Liverpool this Sunday.

“I feel 100%, but I have to build myself up again,” she said. “Today was a good step. Getting minutes with the national team helped, and now it’s about getting miles in the legs. I’m ready to go.”

Boost for Chelsea as Injured Stars Return

It wasn’t just Kerr making a comeback. Lauren James returned after 225 days out with an ankle injury sustained during Euro 2025, while new signing Naomi Girma made her first start for Chelsea.

Head coach Sonia Bompastor praised the team’s depth and resilience:

“Having all our players available is crucial. The quality, the rotation — it makes a big difference,” she told Disney+. “We had a quick turnaround between games, and being able to bring in fresh legs and top players really helps.”

With Beever-Jones and Guro Reiten set to return soon, Bompastor said she welcomes the selection challenge.

“It’s always better for the manager to have many options. It’s difficult, yes, but it’s part of the job. I like having those decisions to make.”

What’s Next for Sam Kerr and Chelsea

Chelsea’s emphatic win not only reaffirmed their dominance in the Women’s Champions League, but also marked a symbolic turning point for their star striker.

For Kerr, it’s about more than goals — it’s about rediscovering her rhythm, confidence, and joy in the game after months of uncertainty.

As Chelsea continue their Champions League and WSL campaigns, one thing is clear: Sam Kerr is back — and she’s relishing every moment.