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Sam Kerr in hospital after knee surgery.Credit:Sam Kerr/Instagram

FIFPRO research released in December 2023 found that elite women’s players who sustained ACL injuries made more appearances,had more instances of less than five days between matches,and had less rest time in the 28 days before the injury compared to non-injured players.

Crucially,those who suffered ACL injuries also travelled further,for longer and crossed more time zones than non-injured players. It is little surprise that the Matildas – most of whom play for clubs in Europe – amass significant travel time.

A forthcoming Professional Footballers Australia report analysing the Matildas’ 2023 World Cup campaign found that the tournament’s July start put particular strain on players from leagues such as England’s Women’s Super League,where 11 of Australia’s squad were based.

Kerr’s load throughout the 2022-23 season for Chelsea was particularly arduous,playing 3053 minutes across the WSL (1539),UEFA Champions League (884),FA Cup (360) and League Cup (270).

Additionally,she played 780 minutes for the national team. She started in nine of the Matildas’ 11 fixtures during the WSL season,coming off the bench in one other. This schedule,not including the pre-World Cup friendly against France in Melbourne,required three long-haul trips back to Australia.

In the most recent collective bargaining agreement with Football Australia,the PFA negotiated the right for Matildas players to select their preferred flight itinerary to ensure the most direct route and performance-friendly departure and arrival times.

“I do know that there’s money[being put] in on research. I do know that Football Australia is looking into that as well and I really would like to know more as well because I’m not the expert in sports science,but unfortunately I’ve been on the coaching side seeing this happen in club land and international[level],” said Gustavsson,who is in London to see his side’s WSL-based players and will meet Sam Kerr.

Amy Sayer,Tameka Yallop and Charlotte Grant celebrate a goal for the Matildas in November 2023.Credit:Getty

“I was visiting Arsenal yesterday and they’ve had the same issue there. There’s a lot of talks and so-called speculation. Is it the calendar? Is it the training load? Is it the game time? Is it the resources? Is it physically? What is it,really?

“And I do think that’s something we need to invest money in to get an answer on and take responsibility for the player wellbeing,because at the end of the day it’s about a human being,not just the football player.”

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