While a persistent leg injury has limited her playing time, Kerr has revealed she has found the move difficult.

“It’s challenging me mentally more than anything,” Kerr, who is currently away with Australia preparing for the Matildas’ Olympic qualifiers.

“New team, new culture, new country, settling into a new house. It’s all the challenges that you don’t really have to face at home in Australia.

“I’m out of my comfort zone. I didn’t know anyone when I first got there.”

Kerr signed a two-and-a-half-year deal at Chelsea after finishing the NWSL season with Chicago Red Stars, opting not to return to Perth Glory in Australia's W-League. Arriving in England, however, Kerr thought the setback would be similar to that she was used to in America.

“From the US to England, I thought they’d be quite similar. But they’re very, very different. It’s a lot more physical in England,” she said. “There’s huge tackles flying in everywhere, but that’s why I went to this league, because I knew it would challenge me as a player. And it really has in the first month.”

Chelsea will be looking on anxiously as Kerr prepares to assist Australia's bid to qualify for the Olympics this week.

Kerr has only resumed full training in recent days having played through a quadriceps strain, but the 26-year-old says she will not push her return.

"I'm not going to be taking any risks. It's day to day, really," Kerr said. "I've got the best medical staff I could probably have working with me, and it feels really good today, but I've got a fair bit to get through until Friday.

"I’d be lying if I said I’d probably play all three (games), but I don’t think many players will play all three this week.

"I just want to get it right and make sure the team has everyone on the field that’s fit and ready to go and that they’re not really carrying anyone."

Australia face Taiwan, Thailand and China over the next week in a round-robin group with the top two teams progressing to the next stage of qualifying.

“I wasn’t involved in the last qualifying tournament, [but] I was lucky enough to play at the Olympics,” Kerr said. “I want to have my hand in this one, help the girls qualify, hopefully go to the Olympic games and have a great tournament.”