Sept 9 (Askume) – Chelsea forward Sam Cole said she would not risk her future in the game by returning too early from a second anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.
Cole, Australia’s all-time top scorer with 69 goals in 128 games, suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury while training with Chelsea in January and missed the Paris Olympics.
She was unable to compete at the 2012 London Olympics due to a similar injury.
“I’m not going to put a return date on it, I just want to make sure I’m playing right and feeling good before I get back on court,” Cole told Optus Sport on Monday.
“I mean, this is my second ACL, so I know you need time, you need to make sure it’s right, and I’m trying my best, but my body’s not in a rush, I’m just trying to make sure.
Kerr, who turns 31 on Tuesday, has extended her contract with the Women’s Super League (WSL) champions until 2026.
Since joining Chelsea in the 2019-20 season, Cole has won 5 WSL Championships, 3 FA Cup Championships and 2 League Cup Championships. She also helped them reach the 2020-21 Women’s Champions League Final.
After 12 years under previous manager Emma Hayes , Chelsea are enjoying a fresh start this season under French coach Sonia Bompastor.
Cole said her main goal was to win the Women’s Champions League after losing in the semi-finals last season.
“We are a few years behind and hopefully Sonia can bring that kind of improvement to the club too,” he said.
