Chelsea star Sam Kerr has suffered a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury during the club's warm weather training camp in Morocco.

The Australia international, 30, is one of Emma Hayes' most important players and her absence will be a huge blow to the Blues' chances of retaining their Women's Super League title.

A club statement said: "Sam will be assessed by a specialist in the coming days and then begin her rehabilitation with the club's medical team. 

"The Australia international signed for the Blues in 2019 and has gone on to score 99 goals in 128 matches. 

"She has played a pivotal role in four WSL title wins, three FA Cup triumphs, two Women's League Cup victories and the Women's Community Shield in 2020. 

"Everyone at Chelsea would like to wish Sam the very best for her recovery."

Kerr has been hampered by injuries for much of the season after picking up a calf problem at last summer's World Cup.

But she still managed to rack up some impressive numbers while battling to return to full fitness, registering nine goals and four assists from 12 appearances across all competitions before the winter break.

Her form is part of the reason why Hayes' side currently sit top of the WSL table, three points ahead of closest rivals Manchester City and Arsenal.

But the Chelsea boss will now have to look elsewhere for attacking inspiration when top-flight action resumes later his month, with 20-year-old starlet Aggie Beever-Jones a candidate to fill the void left by Kerr. 

Beever-Jones has scored five goals in nine appearances this season, averaging a strike every 37 minutes.

Kerr's injury could even prompt Chelsea to dip into the transfer market ahead of their home match against Manchester United on January 21.