Sam Kerr in massive update as Mary Fowler and Nathan Cleary take big step in relationship

Sam Kerr has taken a huge step in her recovery from an ACL injury, while Mary Fowler and Nathan Cleary have appeared to take their relationship to a new level. Kerr has joined club team Chelsea in their mid-winter training camp in Portugal - a positive sign as she recovers from the long-term injury.

The Matildas captain ruptured her ACL in January last year, and isn't expected back on filed until next month at the earliest. Chelsea head coach Sonia Bompastor said last month the 31-year-old was expected to make her eagerly awaited return to action in either February or March.

But the news of her involvement in the Portugal camp sparked excitement amongst Chelsea and Matildas fans that she might be back even earlier than hoped. However Chelsea have stated both Kerr and American striker Mia Fishel, - both recovering from ACL tears - won't be training with the rest of the squad as they concentrate on their own recovery.

Kerr herself has made it clear she won't be rushing back until she's completely satisfied she's fully fit, and the longer recovery time indicates that. The usual return-to-play time for an ACL injury is 9-12 months, but Matildas coach Tom Sermanni revealed late last year that Kerr had suffered a setback and would be out longer.

Sermanni will be delighted Kerr is back in training with Chelsea, but the 'She Believes Cup' in the USA in February is likely to come too soon for any prospect of a return. Chelsea will undoubtedly want to ease the Australian superstar back into the fray gently.

Nathan Cleary meets Mary Fowler's extended family

Kerr's trip to Portugal comes after she made a mad dash from the Hunter Valley in NSW back home to Perth last weekend. Kerr and fiancee Kristie Mewis were in attendance for the wedding of Matildas teammate Emily van Egmond, but flew home to WA after Kerr's grandmother was hit by a car.

The majority of the Matildas team were at van Egmond's wedding in the Hunter Valley, but Fowler and boyfriend Cleary were noticeably absent. As it turns out, the superstar couple have been road-tripping through Queensland and couldn't attend the wedding.

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And it looks like the trip marks a big step in their relationship. Fowler and Cleary arrived in Cairns this week and spent time with Fowler's family while on holidays. Fowler had already met Cleary's family - who are based in Perth - but this is believed to be the first time Cleary met Fowler's extended family in Far North Queensland.

On Monday, the loved-up couple shared a number of happy snaps from their getaway, showing their relationship is as strong as ever. Cleary wrote "batteries are charged", while Fowler took a cheeky dig at some of the photos her boyfriend took of her.

Fowler and Cleary draw weekly headlines due to their high-profile relationship, and rumours have been rife about where their future lies. Many believe Cleary will end up in the English Super League to be closer to Fowler, who spends the majority of her time with club team Manchester City.

Another rumour is Cleary might be a target for the new PNG team because Fowler's mother was born there and she still has family in Port Moresby. “It’s been tough, it’s definitely not something that I ever thought I’d do," Cleary said last month about being in a long-distance relationship.

"I think it sort of helped for us that as soon as we met each other, and we sort of got talking, we knew it was going to lead down to that path and if we wanted to do it, it was going to be long distance. Sometimes you just get home and you want a little cuddle, but I think it’s helped us in a way to connect on more than just (on) a physical level and actually have genuine conversations.

"We just navigate around it and when we do see each other, it’s the best thing ever. You are really grateful for those moments we get to spend together. We’re constantly talking on FaceTime or whatever and we sort of find our way through that."