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Kerr considered for a starting position in Adelaide on Tuesday: Montemurro

Kerr considered for a starting position in Adelaide on Tuesday: Montemurro

Matildas coach Joe Montemurro and rightback Ellie Carpenter address the media at Coopers Stadium in Adelaide.
Matildas coach Joe Montemurro and defender Ellie Carpenter speak to the press at Coopers Stadium in Adelaide. SARAH REED / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP

Kerr was anticipated to take the field at Gosford's Polytec Stadium when the Matildas dominated New Zealand 5-0 on Friday night, but she did not make the starting lineup nor come on as one of Australia's six substitutes in the second half.

In what will be their final match of 2025 and one of their last warm-ups before next year's AFC Asian Women's Cup on home ground, the Matildas are eager to give Kerr some international playing time as she continues her carefully managed recovery from a long-term knee injury.

Head coach Joe Montemurro confirmed during a press briefing that Kerr might feature in some role at Coopers Stadium on Tuesday night.

"She is currently being considered," Montemurro stated.

"She has been training with us and has participated in the last two camps.

"We are exploring various options ahead of the tournament. Sam is part of those plans like every other player.

"Her progress is positive, gaining match time at Chelsea and integrating well here.

"She has been meeting all the requirements since returning. Like with every player, we evaluate their condition and ask how they feel because they understand their bodies best. We manage each player accordingly."

Montemurro also mentioned that Tuesday's second friendly against New Zealand will be used to experiment with additional "tactical combinations" as he finalizes his selections for the Asian Cup.

"We have been developing a football style because we believe it is necessary to advance as a top national team," Montemurro commented.

"Do we require more consistency? Definitely.

"Maintaining that consistency once the players leave tomorrow night might be challenging, but we saw a solid foundation the other evening.

"There are a few tactical aspects I need to observe to confirm everything is in place, which will equip me fully for the Asian Cup.

"I want to review several tactical combinations tonight, so yes, some changes might occur."

When questioned about Western Sydney Wanderers men's coach Alen Stajcic's heartfelt post-Sydney derby appeal for unity in Australian football, Montemurro expressed full support for his colleague.

"I've stated this from the beginning: sometimes we unnecessarily put ourselves down," Montemurro explained.

"We feel we are lagging behind and seem to suffer from an inferiority complex compared to the rest of the football world.

"We have players and coaches in leading clubs worldwide, so we must be doing something right, and we should celebrate that and use it as a foundation to grow.

"Unity is essential to determine our next steps as federations and to move the game forward. Football is at a stage where it can significantly expand.

"I hope everyone comes together for the betterment of the sport because it is currently in a very strong position."

You can follow live updates and statistics from the Matildas' final match of 2025 starting at 8:30pm AEDT tonight.

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