Is Sam Kerr really match-fit? This and four other burning questions for the Matildas

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We take a closer look at Australia’s must-win World Cup clash with Canada, and try to unpick fact from fiction when it comes to the fitness status of the Matildas’ superstar captain.

, but won’t say much more. Tony Gustavsson says she is, too, but won’t say whether she actually trained with the team on Sunday, giving silent Tony Abbott vibes in an awkward interview with Optus Sport’s Mark Schwarzer. Reading between the lines, Sam Kerr will probably be named as a substitute and only be used if the Matildas need a goal or are chasing the game.

If by some miracle they are already home and hosed against Canada in the second half, she might not be used at all. Or she might start, and they’re pulling a massive swifty on us all. At this point, after almost two weeks of mind games from Gustavsson, nothing would surprise. Whatever the Matildas do with her, it will be a risk – but with everything on the line, this is the time for that.

, who signed Chidiac to his Melbourne City team when she was 16, believes she can provide some desperately needed panache and variation to Australia’s midfield and help unlock a stubborn Canadian defence. He’s not alone. Does Gustavsson agree?Christine Sinclair did not start against Ireland on Wednesday night, in a selection shock courtesy of coach Bev Priestman.

But Sinclair picked up an injury late in the game that has her in doubt to feature against Australia – a hit to her target of becoming the first player – male or female – to score in six separate World Cups. Canada coach Bev Priestman said on Sunday that Sinclair had trained with the team earlier in the day and would be available, but did not specify whether or not she would be fit to start.

 

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Gustavsson dodges Kerr questions one day before Matildas’ crunch clashThe Matildas coach played cat and mouse on the fitness of his captain in a contractually mandated interview with host broadcaster Optus Sport.
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