Injured Sam Kerr watches on from sidelines as Matildas return to training

Injured captain Sam Kerr has watched on from the sidelines as the Matildas returned to training as they prepare to face Nigeria without their biggest star.

Kerr, who was a shock late scratching from Australia’s opening 1-0 win over Ireland with a calf strain suffered the day before, is already ruled out of Thursday night’s clash at Suncorp Stadium.

Sunday’s training, after Matildas players had Saturday off, was effectively a “Kerr-watch”.

Kerr was walking normally, and without a compression bandage on her left calf, on Sunday as she took part in a meet and greet with under-12 and under-15s players from local club Mt Gravatt Hawks, before watching on as her teammates warmed up.

The 29-year-old chatted away with her teammates then helped pack up some gear and sat on an esky to watch them.

As Nigeria drew 0-0 with Canada on Friday, Australia can seal progression to the round of 16 with a win on Thursday, taking them to six points in Group B.

Kerr will be reassessed ahead of the July 31 clash with Canada but as there is only four days between group games, it appears likely Kerr wouldn’t be risked - especially if Australia are already through to the knockouts.

There is a full week’s rest between the Canada game and the round of 16, which starts on August 7.

That is clearly a more favourable recovery timeline for Kerr.

Kerr is clearly racing the clock to be involved in the Matildas’ tilt for silverware, though her teammates have indicated she will be available for the later stages of the tournament.

On Sunday, Tameka Yallop trained with the main group but still had heavy strapping on her left thigh.

The midfielder hyperextended her left knee in the warm-up friendly match against France.

Kyah Simon, who is on the comeback trail from a knee reconstruction, is on her own program and didn’t join the rest of the team.

Alanna Kennedy was walking laps while fellow central defender Clare Hunt sat out training.

Football Australia confirmed both players’ loads were just being managed.