Matildas Head Coach Tom Sermanni today confirmed that striker Sam Kerr has been ruled out of 2012 London Olympic Games Asian Qualification tournament after sustaining a serious knee injury during training in Jinan, China.

Speaking from the team hotel, Sermanni was disappointed to see Sam exit the tournament under such circumstances but is confident that she will make a full recovery.

"Sam’s injury occurred during a fairly innocuous challenge at training today.
 
"Unfortunately, this sort of thing happens in sport, but importantly Sam is in as good spirits as you can expect at this time.

"Sam is such a lively, popular member of the squad and creates such a vibrancy about the place that her presence will be sorely missed.

"All our thoughts are with Sam at the moment and we're all sure she'll bounce back.

Sam Kerr will now return to Australia immediately for treatment. A possible replacement player will be announced in the coming days.

The Matildas will open their 2012 London Olympic Games Asian Qualification campaign against DPR Korea on 1 September.

Football Federation Australia