Matildas skipper Sam Kerr is refusing to believe her Olympic dream is completely dead - but if she can't play on the pitch, she may still have a very important role to play off it.
The Chelsea striker suffered an ACL injury while on a warm-weather training camp in Morocco in early January, all-but ruling her out of the Matildas Paris Olympics campaign.
Australia will play their group stage matches in Marseille and Nice and will open their Olympic campaign against Germany on July 25 at the Stade de Marseille.
It usually takes six to nine months to recover from a torn ACL, but professional athletes often take longer to get their strength and fitness back up to speed.
That means Kerr would have to defy medical history to have any chance of playing for the Matildas.
There have been some possibilities suggested, like carrying Kerr on the bench as long as possible and possibly deploying her for a brief cameo if Australia makes the medal rounds.
It has also been suggested the Kerr could be used as a specialist penalty shooter if unable to play but able to strike with her non-injured leg.
Now, Kerr has opened on the reality of her playing any role on the pitch in Paris - and the news is not good for Matildas fans.
'Realistically, the Olympics probably isn't there but I'm still trying to push to get there as soon as I can,' she said in an interview with Vogue magazine.
It's probably a bit too soon [for the Olympics] but I'm pushing every day to be as strong as I can, as fit as I can and get back to playing my best football.'
During her time off the pitch, Kerr has been able to reflect on what the next chapter of her life may hold, including aspirations put on hold by her soccer career.
For a start, she has been able to put more time into her Sam Kerr Football initiative.
This foundation aims to provide all children opportunities to forge careers in sport and in-depth physical wellbeing guidance to produce the Matildas and Socceroos of the future.
'It's a really nice thing for me to give back to the community and give things that I didn't necessarily have growing up,' Kerr said.
One thing is for certain, Kerr's future beyond her playing does is certain to remain in the sport she loves.
She is unclear what her future role may be, but did mention that getting her coaching licence is a real possibility.
Kerr has also been forced to play mentor with the Matildas through injury before, so she is developing her skills for a future in football beyond playing already.
'I'm a very live in the moment type of person and I want to keep playing as long as I can,' she said.
'I've still got so many years ahead of me and I still want to play the game. While I've been injured I've kind of realised that I would love to do something that keeps me in the game.
'I don't know what aspect— maybe I'll do my coaching licence, but I'd love to stay in the game. My passion for the game is something I'd love to continue to do.'
There is also another option: pursue the career that Kerr has dreamed of outside of football and become a DJ.
That could even begin at the Paris Olympics, where Kerr could become the resident DJ for the Matildas in the Olympic Village.
'I can't sing, but I love putting on a show for people, so maybe DJing,' she said about life after football.
'If I could do anything and be the best at it, I would love to be a singer. I love going out on stage and performing for people… but I can't sing, so I have no chance.'