New Matildas coach Joe Montemurro is optimistic after more surgery, Sam Kerr is finally on track in her prolonged return from injury, with her sights set on performing at the Asian Cup.

Kerr hasn’t played for club or country for 17 months, since tearing her anterior cruciate ligament at a training camp with Chelsea in January 2024.

She has had some complications and setbacks with her rehabilitation, which has gone well beyond the usual 12-month return period.

In comparison, fellow Matildas attacker Amy Sayer, who tore her ACL last May, is back playing and scored two goals against Argentina on Monday night.

Kerr had additional surgery in recent weeks, while Football Australia have ramped up their involvement in her rehabilitation, in conjunction with Chelsea, after the English club initially took charge.

AAP understands her recent trip to Melbourne, where Kerr was spotted at the A-League Women grand final, alongside Matildas chief physiotherapist and ACL specialist Matt Whalan, on May 18, was related to her surgery.

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.”

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.”