Hayes confirms Kerr to undergo surgery on ACL injury

Chelsea manager Emma Hayes has confirmed star striker Sam Kerr will undergo surgery on her anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Aussie ace Kerr, 30, sustained the setback during the Blues' warm weather training camp in Morocco earlier this month.

The 2023 Ballon d'Or runner-up has been ruled out for the rest of the season and will play no further part in the West Londoners' quest for an unprecedented quadruple.

Hayes told Sky Sports: "She did it doing a football action she does every day, turning and shooting.

"It's something very simple and innocuous.

"She is having surgery today. I'm gutted for her, I'm gutted for the team.

"These things happen in football, she knows that and the important thing is that she knows we're here to support her. The recovery, the rehab begins today."

Hayes, 47, added: "I've said many times, this is not the moment to talk about how those things happen.

"Injuries do happen in men's and women's football. I think sometimes we have a confirmation bias around ACL injuries but they happen in the sport, regardless of why they happen.

"She's with her Chelsea family and she knows we'll look after her.

"I know Sam would expect me to say nothing less — our focus has got to be on the players that are fit.

"We have a quality squad and it's a good challenge for me as a coach to find solutions. I trust in the squad we have and we've added to that as well."

Kerr had scored four goals in nine Women's Super League outings so far this term, firing Chelsea three points clear at the top of the table from nearest challengers Manchester City.

They return to action this Sunday when they host London neighbours West Ham in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Hayes is stepping down from her position at the end of the season to coach the USA women's national team.