Women’s World Cup 2023: Melanie Leupolz backs Sam Kerr to play through the pain barrier for Australia | OneFootball

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am Kerr’s Chelsea teammate Melanie Leupolz has backed the Australia captain to play through the pain barrier so she can feature at the World Cup.

Kerr missed all three of Australia’s group games due to a calf injury and she now has six days to get fit for the Matildas’ last-16 game on Monday.

The striker is desperate to play at her home World Cup and declared herself fit for Australia’s 4-0 win over Canada on Monday, which ensured they topped Group B.

Kerr, however, did not get on the pitch during the win and she was also not part of the pre-match warm-up.

Leupolz, who plays with the 29-year-old at Chelsea, has backed her to play during the knockout stage though.

“She said she could play yesterday but obviously they won so she didn’t have to play,” said Leupolz.

“But I think she really wants to have some minutes and play in this tournament because it’s in her home country and maybe it’s her last World Cup, you never know.

“So I think even with some pain, I think she will be on the pitch in the next game.”