Australia’s star striker Kerr out of two World Cup games with injury

Australia captain and forward Sam Kerr was ruled out of two games of the Women’s World Cup, including the opener against Ireland on Thursday, after picking up a calf injury in training a day earlier.

The team said she would re-assessed by the medical team after Australia’s second group stage match on July 27 against Nigeria.

Kerr’s loss is a big blow for Tony Gustavsson’s 10th-ranked Matildas, who are considered one of the favourites to win their home tournament.

The 29-year-old Chelsea striker is the all time leading goalscorer for her country with 63 goals.