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Carpenter is thriving in the English Women’s Super League, where her club teammates include fellow Matilda Sam Kerr and her coach is ex-Lyon mentor Sonia Bompastor. “The move to Chelsea was the best thing for my football career,” the 25-year-old right-back said ahead of Australia’s clash against Wales on Sunday morning (AEDT) in Cardiff. “The league is very competitive and I can only just see my game improving in small parts. “Every game is hard, and the training environment also is intense. I’m fighting for my position on the field to start. “It’s a great challenge for me in my career with where I’m at, I’m really happy with how the season has started, and being under Sonia again … that’s also nice. “I’m really enjoying it and it’s been a great start. There are a lot of big games when we get back from national team (duties) as well, so I’m looking forward to that.” Carpenter treasured her time in France on and off the field, but was craving for a change. “I wanted to be out of my comfort zone again,” she said. “For me being in the (Chelsea) environment, it will really push me. I’m a very competitive person, so I really love a challenge, and it’s bringing out the best in me.” Being at Chelsea has also allowed Carpenter to witness first-hand star striker Kerr’s return to football. Having ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in her knee in January last year, Kerr didn’t return to action until last month when she scored coming off the bench in Chelsea’s 3-1 win over Aston Villa. Chelsea has taken a cautious approach with Kerr, but she has been deemed fit enough to have been selected in a Matildas squad for the first time in almost two years for the weekend’s clash against the Welsh and next Wednesday’s battle with England in Derby. “Sam’s done so well to get back from a horrific injury,” Carpenter said. “Being out of the game for so long … it’s so hard to come back from that, but she’s come back really strong. “You could see in her first game back for Chelsea when she scored, it was amazing for her, a weight lifted off her shoulders. “In training at Chelsea, and here (in Matildas camp), it’s really nice to have her back in the environment. “She’s building on her minutes. With the national team, she can showcase a little bit more hopefully with how she’s coming back. “I’m happy to have her here (with the Matildas), and also happy to have her at Chelsea.” Meanwhile, Adelaide’s Coopers Stadium has been confirmed as the venue for the second of the Matildas’ two games against New Zealand in the November-December window, with the first match being played in Gosford.
