Kerr remains on bench as Australia faces Denmark in Round of 16 at World Cup

SYDNEY (AP) — Sam Kerr has been named as an alternative in Australia’s round-of-16 match towards Denmark on the Women’s World Cup on Monday.

The Matildas’ inspirational captain has recovered from the calf damage that dominated her out of the co-host’s opening two group video games. But coach Tony Gustavsson has opted towards taking part in her from the beginning within the sport at Stadium Australia.

Kerr went into the World Cup as one of many favourites to be main objective scorer, having simply helped her membership crew Chelsea to a trophy double of the Women’s Super League and FA Cup.

She was the face of Australia’s buildup to the match, which is being co-hosted by New Zealand.

But she has been sidelined since injuring her left calf on the eve of her nation’s first sport towards Ireland on July 20.

Emily van Egmond and Mary Fowler begin in assault for Australia.