Can Chelsea’s dominance continue without injured Sam Kerr?
A long-term injury to their starting striker could have a real impact on Chelsea's domestic hopes for the remainder of the season, not to mention their continued search for a first-ever UEFA Champions League title. Can they continue to dominate without their no.20?
Football
Sam Kerr is one of the best strikers in women’s football. That is a fact.
From her goal-scoring records to domestic honours, she does her talking on the pitch.
Since making the move to Chelsea four years ago, the Australian has gone from strength to strength, helping make the Blues one of the best teams in Europe.
Kerr’s arrival in the capital preceded Emma Hayes’ side winning three consecutive Women’s Super League titles, with the former completing the domestic treble in her first six months at the club.
Hopes of four in a row could now be on the line, despite leading the way at the top, with the injury of the talismanic Kerr.
The turn of the new year saw Chelsea descend on Morocco for a warm-weather training camp, but it was there where their no.20 suffered one of the most gutting injuries in the game: an ACL.
“Gutted for, gutted for the team,” Hayes told Sky Sports.
“These things happen in football, she knows that. I think the important thing is we are here to support her.”
Chelsea won't be the only team missing her, of course, as the Aussie captain is ruled out of the Paris 2024 Olympics should her homeland qualify.
Out for the remainder of the 2023/24 campaign, and potentially some of the 2024/25 term – just how much could Kerr’s absence derail Chelsea in Hayes’ final season with the blues?
Hayes: We have a quality squad
There is no denying that a player of Kerr’s caliber will be a significant loss for Chelsea, ultimately one star will not define a team.
Least of all at a club like Chelsea, who have dominated for so long because of their commitment to adding quality to every position on the pitch.
Their manager knows as such, too.
“Our focus has got to be on the players that are fit,” Hayes added.
“We have a quality squad and the challenge for me is to find those solutions. I trust in the squad that we have.”
No club ever wants to lose a player to injury, but perhaps the London outfit can take comfort in the fact that they plan ahead.
Hayes’ squad-building is one the things that has seen Chelsea be so dominant over the last few years on the domestic scene and - although deperating in the summer - has left them in good shape facing any injury blow across the pitch.
The reigning WSL champions are therefore not short of fire power up top, with a multitude of options who can fill a Kerr-shaped hole.
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 01: Mia Fishel of Chelsea looks on during the Barclays Women´s Super League match between Chelsea FC and Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge on October 01, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Who will Chelsea turn to?
Here are three players Hayes could turn to in the absence of her no.20.
Mia Fishel
Arguably the most natural successor to Kerr’s role in this Chelsea team is Mia Fishel. Joined in the summer of 2023, the 22-year-old was likely always going to be the successor to her teammates throne - but the chance to assume it may come sooner than expected. The American is a bonafide goal-scorer, whose natural instincts in front of an opposing goalkeeper saw her record 34 goals in 43 matches for Tigres, and will no doubt hit the ground running for her new club sooner rather than later.
Lauren James
Lauren James is by no means an out-and-out striker, but could provide an option for leading the line if required. Perhaps at her most effective in an attacking midfield role, Hayes shifting her into a false nine position could serve as a way to fill the striker role while also playing to James’ strengths. Eight goal involvements - seven goals and one assist - in nine WSL games so far this term means she is one of their most productive forwards, and could be called upon to fill that central role as Kerr begins to make her way back from injury, particularly if Fran Kirby returns to operate in the space behind the striker.
Aggie-Beever Jones
She may still just be 20, but Aggie-Beever Jones has been a revelation for Chelsea. Signed in 2021, followed by a handful of successful loan spells with Bristol City and Everton, the English forward has flourished in her early showings as a Blues first teamer. In seven league appearances so far this term, the youngster has bagged five goals and while she may not be ready to assume the role in a starting capacity, she has shown to be a valuable addition from the bench should Chelsea need goals.
Replacing what Kerr offers on the pitch is no easy feat, but either of this trio is a good way to start.