Chelsea striker Sam Kerr has had her contract with the Blues extended until the end of the 2024/25 season, according to ata football.

The Australian’s current deal was set to expire in June but she will now remain in London for at least another year.

It is believed that Chelsea do have an option to extend Kerr’s stay beyond 2025 but her immediate future is now secure.

The 30-year-old suffered an ACL injury during a mid-season training camp in Morocco last weekend, so the new deal is very much a show of faith in the stricken star.

Kerr is expected to undergo surgery today

Manager Emma Hayes has confirmed that the Australian international will go under the knife on Thursday before she begins her long road back to fitness.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament injuries can take between 9 to 12 months to recover from, depending on their severity, so it will be well into next season before Chelsea fans can see Kerr in action again.

Chelsea’s title chances have taken a hit

The Blues will undoubtedly miss Kerr’s goals. The forward has hit the back of the net 58 times in 75 WSL appearances since moving from Chicago Red Stars in 2020, helping her side win four consecutive league titles. It means others will now have to step up to the plate.

Hayes does have the likes of Lauren James, Aggie Beever-Jones and Fran Kirby at her disposal who can fill the void in terms of goals. Summer signing Mia Fishel will also have to play a more prominent role to make up for Kerr’s absence.

Chelsea may, though, decide to go back into the market before the transfer window closes in order to replace Kerr. There is no doubt that without their main forward, the Blues will have a much tougher time retaining the title this season.