New Matildas coach Joe Montemurro has revealed star player Sam Kerr has had to undergo another mystery surgery, as questions swirl about her anticipated comeback.

Kerr has suffered complications and setbacks since tearing her anterior cruciate ligament at a training camp with Chelsea in January 2024.

Her rehabilitation has gone well beyond the usual 12-month return period, and she hasn’t played for club or country for 17 months.

Kerr’s return to the field has been protracted in comparison to Matildas teammate Amy Sayer who tore her ACL last May and is back playing.

It emerged on Monday that in recent weeks Kerr had undergone an additional surgery.

It’s understood that Kerr’s recent trip to Melbourne, where she was spotted at the A-League Women grand final, was related to this treatment.

She was seen alongside Matildas chief physiotherapist and ACL specialist Matt Whalan on May 18.

On Monday, Montemurro confirmed to Network Ten Kerr had an “intervention”, but her knee was fine.

When asked whether the surgery was a soft-tissue issue, Montemurro, told AAP: “No, I think it was just some scenario which happened a few weeks ago, or a couple of weeks ago.

“But she’s running and she’s back and we’re working closely with Chelsea to make sure that her progress is done right.

“By all signs, everything’s positive and we’re all on the same page. But yeah, I don’t see any issues.

“To be honest, I just got some very vague reports. It was all very precautionary.

“There’s nothing to worry about, she’s on track.”

Montemurro said he was optimistic Kerr was finally on track in her prolonged return, with her sights set on performing at the Asian Cup.

Football Australia has also ramped up its involvement in her rehabilitation, in conjunction with her English club.

Kerr, 31, has never played under Montemurro for club or country.

He coached against her with Melbourne Victory and Melbourne City, when she starred for Perth Glory, then later led Arsenal and Juventus against her Chelsea team.

Being able to deploy the superstar striker alongside Caitlin Foord is an exciting prospect for Montemurro.

“By all reports she’s focused on getting back and she’s focused on being back at her best, knowing that there’s an exciting tournament (the Asian Cup) coming up,” he said.

“So with that attitude, I expect to see a fantastic Sam Kerr.”

Montemurro has already made it clear he won’t have discussions over bigger-picture issues, like whether Kerr will continue as captain, until she is fully fit.

He is yet to speak to Kerr, who returned to the Matildas fold in March and April, with Chelsea’s blessing, to work on her rehabilitation.

That will happen over the next two weeks, along with his conversations with other players.

Fowler, Ellie Carpenter, Mackenzie Arnold, Katrina Gorry and Hayley Raso also weren’t in camp when Montemurro addressed the group for the first time on Monday.

“I haven’t had the opportunity,” he said of chatting with Kerr.

“I actually spoke to the players yesterday and basically said that we’ll be touching base over the next couple of weeks and putting in some plans from an individual perspective, leading into the next camp, to give them some understanding on what we want to do.”

-with AAP