'We'll see': Coach's coy response to big Kerr question

A two-year absence due to injury by Sam Kerr proved the Matildas were capable of life without her leading the side, but she may be set to be back on the sidelines once again. 

Joe Montemurro did not reveal the nature of the issue when speaking to the media, despite being asked several questions about who would be included in the starting 11 against New Zealand on Friday.

One of the biggest question marks over the playing group hangs over Kerr, who has been playing limited minutes - or in some cases rested - with club team Chelsea.

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The club confirmed that there was no major alarm with Kerr, rather it was always in her recovery plan that she would not have too big of a workload instantly on return.

That mentality and game plan has been carried through to her international commitments, with Montemurro leaving the choice to play in Kerr's hands.

The only response that the former OL Lyonnes manager would provide when asked about if fan's will definitely see Kerr take to the field on Friday was "we'll see".

"She's on a [specialised] plan that we need to just make sure we build her up onto that, and she's tracking really, really well," he continued, speaking to media on Thursday.

"We'll just see where it's all at the moment. As I said, it's all going well, everything is all going to plan. I need to make sure that what's best for her in that sort of scenario."

As for who would be in the starting eleven, Montemurro insists he hasn't thought about it. 

If Kerr were not to play, it is likely that Michelle Heyman would step into her shoes.

But if there was one thing that Montemurro was 100 per cent certain about, it was his plan to get Mary Fowler back into the squad. 

"I can't wait until we get Mary because I know exactly where she is going to play," Montemurro, 56, said.

Fowler has been on the sidelines since April after she ruptured her ACL while playing for Manchester City. No exact timeline for return has been given just yet, but her recovery has been tracking smooth enough to see her a chance to return before Christmas. 

"She probably could have been ready to play before Christmas but she said give me nine months," Montemurro continued.

"When you look at a knock out tournament (like the Asian Cup) you need to have a squad that has balance, but you require thinking about scenarios that could happen, going one player down early on, going into extra time and what those sort of players can bring.

"I hope (Fowler) gets two or three 90 minute games before she comes into camp but her quality is a world-class level so you have to consider her in the squad."

The Matildas will kick off at 7.30pm against New Zealand in Gosford on Friday.