Sam Kerr is OUT of Australia’s first two matches of the World Cup after Matildas superstar picked up calf injury in training

Sam Kerr has been ruled out of Australia’s opening World Cup game and their second group matches after sustaining a calf injury.

The news comes as a huge blow for the Matildas, with Kerr both their captain and star striker.

The Chelsea forward was filmed smiling as she got off the team bus and walked into the dressing room but was not named in the matchday squad to face the Republic of Ireland.

Kerr posted on Instagram: ‘Unfortunately I sustained a calf injury yesterday in training.

‘I wanted to share this with everyone so there is no distraction from us doing what we came here to achieve.

Sam Kerr has been ruled out of Australia’s first two matches of the World Cup

The Matildas superstar injured her calf in Australia’s training session on Wednesday

‘Of course I would have loved to have been out there tonight but I can’t wait to be a part of this amazing journey which starts now. Sam.’

The Matildas official twitter account said Kerr will also miss their second game with Nigeria on July 27.

‘Sam will be unavailable for the next two matches with the Matildas Medical Team to re-assess her following our second group stage match.’

Australia’s final group match is against Canada on July 31.

There were telltale signs that something was afoot with the Chelsea star when fans failed to spot her on Australia’s team walk in Sydney on Thursday morning.