Matildas and Chelsea icon Sam Kerr tore her anterior cruciate ligament in her knee in January 2024, missing the Paris Olympics and significant chunks of the Blues' Women's Super League campaign.
However, the superstar is still yet to return from the injury and has just settled a high-profile court case in London.
The 31-year-old is closing in on a return to football, now that she has received a favourable verdict in court.
The Sporting News has all the details on when Kerr will be back on the pitch.
MORE: Sam Kerr criminal trial, explained: What Matildas and Chelsea star said to police
When will Sam Kerr return to football with the Matildas and Chelsea?
Kerr's ACL injury occurred last January but she is not expected to be fit until around late February-March 2025.
Her recovery from the long-term injury, which is usually nine months, has taken longer with the Australian star having setbacks.
Kerr's return to football is now closer after the striker was found not guilty in her criminal trial and avoided jail time.
As for the Matildas, Kerr wasn't selected in the squad for the SheBelievesCup, but it's understood she will be selected for the Korea Republic friendlies in April if she is fit and available.
Sam Kerr trial verdict
Kerr was found not guilty on one charge of racially aggravated harassment as the verdict was delivered at 2pm local time on Tuesday.
After the verdict, Kerr wrote on social media: “Following today’s not guilty verdict, I can finally put this challenging period behind me.
“While I apologise for expressing myself poorly on what was a traumatic evening, I have always maintained that I did not intend to insult or harm anyone and I am thankful that the jury agreed.
“I would like thank my partner Kristie, my family, friends and all the fans for their love and support, especially those who attended court each day.
“I am fully focused on getting back on to the pitch and looking forward to an exciting year ahead for me and my family.”
What the judge said about Sam Kerr verdict?
“I take the view her own behaviour contributed significantly to the bringing of this allegation,” Justice Peter Lodder said.
“I don’t go behind the jury’s verdict but that has a significant bearing on the question of costs.
“The behaviour she has to accept by virtue of the video recording”.