Why Mary Fowler has worried Chelsea fans demanding the immediate return of Sam Kerr from her ACL injury
- Chelsea facing early exit in Women’s UEFA Champions League
- Lost 2-0 to Manchester City in quarter-final, first leg
- Aussie Mary Fowler played a key role in the huge upset
- Calls for Sam Kerr to play second leg on March 28
Mary Fowler’s scintillating form this season has seen Chelsea fans call for Sam Kerr to return immediately despite 15 months out of the sport due to an ACL injury.
Fowler, 22, has chalked up six goals and six assists across 15 matches in the Women’s Super League in England.
She has also impressed in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, and this week provided an assist for striker Vivianne Miedema, who finished with a brace in the Citizens’ shock 2-0 win over the Blues in the quarter-final, first leg.
With the second leg at Stamford Bridge on March 28 from 7am AEDT, worried Chelsea supporters want Kerr back on the team sheet.
Before this week’s clash, the Blues were unbeaten in the league after 16 games and recently won the League Cup final against Manchester City.
But Champions League glory is what fans crave the most.
‘Play Sam Kerr in the return leg otherwise it will be useless to have her in FA Cup or WSL. This UWCL is what Chelsea live to play and win,’ said one.
‘Sam Kerr miraculous comeback for a heroic second leg at the Bridge is the cinema I need,’ another posted.
Mary Fowler’s scintillating form this season has seen Chelsea fans call for Sam Kerr to return – despite 15 months out of the sport due to a ACL injury
Fowler, 22, has chalked up six goals and six assists across 15 matches in the Women’s Super League – and also caught the eye in the UEFA Women’s Champions League (pictured) this week against the Blues
Chelsea coach Sonia Bompastor said patience is key when it comes to Kerr (pictured)
It comes as Chelsea coach Sonia Bompastor stressed patience is key with Kerr.
‘I just want to make it clear I think it is not really fair to expect from a player who has been injured for now 15 months…..to be the hero,’ Bompastor said.
‘She is progressing really well in her rehab, but I just want her to feel like the main focus for her will be to work really hard, be the best version of herself.
‘If we have positive news and she can bring into the team her experience but also her competencies, it will be great.
‘I just want her to focus step by step.’
Meanwhile, Fowler recently caught up with her boyfriend – NRL superstar Nathan Cleary – in the US.
The halfback was in Las Vegas ahead of Penrith’s 2025 season opener against Cronulla, with Fowler also in America as the Matildas took part in the SheBelieves tournament.
It was a tournament to forget for Tom Sermanni’s squad, who lost all their matches against Japan, the USWNT and Colombia.
