Arsenal striker Vivianne Miedema has revealed that she has returned to full training.
The Netherlands international has been sidelined for the best part of 10 months after sustaining an ACL injury during a Champions League fixture against Lyon. However, speaking to Algemeen Dagblad (quotes via Sport Witness), Miedema has confirmed she has now completed her rehab:
“After months of rehabilitation after my serious knee injury, I am now training with the selection at Arsenal again. On Friday, I can really do everything again. That is of course very nice after all the blood, sweat and tears of the past period.”
Miedema did admit to a certain level of apprehension about returning from such a long layoff, and the forward has emphasised that she is being extra careful to ensure that she doesn’t suffer any setbacks:
“Somehow, it’s also scary. How will my knee hold up? How will things go during the matches? That is exciting. I will first start playing for Arsenal’s second team to gain some rhythm.”
Will Miedema be ready to play in Arsenal’s season opener against Liverpool?
As the 27-year-old has mentioned, she will need to build up her fitness with the Gunners’ second string before she is available for selection.
Miedema won’t be involved when Jonas Eidevall’s team kick off their WSL campaign versus Liverpool on Sunday, and it’s unlikely that she will face Manchester United next Friday either. It may well be November before she makes her return to the first team.
Miedema’s availability is a huge boost for the Gunners’ title chances
The Dutch forward has a phenomenal goalscoring record for Arsenal, having racked up 121 goals in 147 appearances during her six years at the London club.
Her team badly missed her when she was sidelined for the second half of last campaign but, if Miedema can rediscover her form, it will give the Gunners a huge chance of finishing top of the WSL table.