Returning from months on the sidelines is a huge challenge for any footballer. To do it twice in succession is a daunting prospect — but 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 until she picked up another injury and was 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. It was a weird roller coaster of emotions that day and really difficult to handle," Bjorn exclusively told Sky Sports of that day.
This time, it was her calf - and begun the process of rehabilitation once again. This time, it sidelined her for six months. "The first injury was really difficult," the Sweden international reflected.
"I've had longer injuries before, so I felt confident in the help I got around here. I felt confident in myself and my body. "It's not nice to miss games, but I was very hopeful.
I had a very good rehab, I was aiming for the League Cup final and thinking 'towards the end of the season, I'll be back.' "Then that didn't go according to plan. I felt quite early in the game against Man Utd that 'oh this feels different'. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player "The second time around, it was a really tough rehab, I'm going to be honest.
There were days where I felt like 'I can't do this. I don't want to be in the gym. I don't want to be here'.
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