Returning from months on the sidelines is a huge challenge for any footballer, and doing it twice in succession is a daunting prospect. Chelsea's Nathalie Bjorn has overcome the odds to do just that.
The defender suffered a hamstring injury in December 2025, keeping her out for three months. She made her comeback during the then-named League Cup final against Manchester United in March, but lasted just 120 seconds before picking up another injury and being forced off. "It was really difficult having your comeback, getting subbed out after two minutes and then you win a trophy, but you're crying at the same time and you're happy," Bjorn told Sky Sports. This time, it was her calf, and the rehabilitation process sidelined her for six months.
The Sweden international described the second rehab as especially tough. "There were days where I felt like 'I can't do this,'" she said. She credited Chelsea physio Andy Walling for allowing her to feel every emotion, along with teammates who checked in regularly. Bjorn also admitted doubts about returning to her previous level, given that the season before the injuries was arguably the best of her career.
Bjorn now feels strong and good in training and matches. "After this period of being out for so long, I really learned how to appreciate my body and day-to-day training," she said. She made her latest Chelsea return at the end of September against Birmingham, coming on as an 87th-minute substitute. "That's been the biggest learning point for me in this 10 months of rehab is to enjoy every day."
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing