Since Kerr’s injury, Chelsea have had swapped managers and brought in a host of attacking talent.
A couple of weeks after Kerr tore her ACL, the club broke the British transfer record when they signed Colombia forward Mayra Ramirez as a replacement.
And just earlier this month, United States star Alyssa Thompson joined for just under £1m.
But even on a day when Thompson – now Chelsea’s record signing – made her debut, it was Kerr who made the headlines.
“It feels good,” Kerr said about her return. “I am really happy but [feel] a lot of relief. It’s been a long journey and I’m glad it’s over.”
She added that “it means everything” to score her 100th goal for the club.
“When I signed for Chelsea I never thought I would score 100 goals,” she added.
“To do it for such a massive club, and a club I love so dearly, is a massive achievement and something I am really proud of. I don’t reflect too much on my goals, but to score 100 for Chelsea is something I will keep with me forever.”
Kerr has now scored 59 goals in 76 WSL matches for Chelsea, and has the second-best goals-per-game ratio (0.78) out of players to have scored more than five WSL goals – behind only Manchester City’s Khadija Shaw.
“It will be a huge weight taken off her shoulders,” said former England defender Gilly Flaherty on Sky Sports.
“When a player does come back from injury and they go games without scoring and it goes on and on, there’s that pressure.”
Kerr’s period on the sidelines was disrupted by a high-profile court case in which she was on trial for racially aggravated harassment, being was found not guilty in February.
In May, Kerr and her partner Kristie Mewis, who plays for West Ham, announced the birth of their first child – a baby boy called Jagger.
After Sunday’s comeback, Brighton midfielder Fran Kirby, who played alongside Kerr at Chelsea, told Sky Sports: “I’m absolutely delighted for her. It’s been a real tough journey for her.
“She belongs out on the football pitch and I’m delighted she her 100th goal for Chelsea.
“She has been waiting a long time for that moment. Hopefully she can stay fit, stay healthy, and contribute more throughout the season.”
