Even Sam Kerr's dad Roger was left a tad worried when the star striker's injury absence stretched beyond a year, but he's tipping his daughter to be fit and firing in time for the 2026 Women's Asian Cup.
Kerr hasn't played since suffering an anterior cruciate ligament tear 20 months ago during a pre-season training camp with English powerhouse Chelsea.
The 32-year-old underwent a second procedure last year to have scar tissue cut away, but she is finally ready to return.
Kerr was an unused sub for Chelsea's 2-1 Women's Super League win over Manchester City last week and the Matildas captain is raring to go for this weekend's clash with Aston Villa.