Women’s Super League document goalscorer Vivianne Miedema stated she could also be “even higher than the outdated me” after netting her first goal since her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.
Miedema, who endured an 11-month absence and had not scored since December 2022, claimed Arsenal’s first as they beat Liverpool 2-0 on Sunday.
She stated she had felt “scared” to return again after her restoration.
Miedema returned in October however solely made her first begin final weekend.
“It has been fairly robust,” the Netherlands ahead advised Sky Sports. “I’ve had a few setbacks in my restoration.
“You need to come again and assist the group and get again as rapidly as attainable. During the winter break I had a shift in mindset and since then I’ve felt extra like myself.”
Miedema, 27, spent a prolonged spell on the sidelines and missed final summer time’s World Cup.
Sunday’s goal was her 79th within the league for Arsenal, the best tally of any participant within the division’s historical past.
The recreation was Miedema’s fifth within the league this season, however she managed simply 34 minutes in three video games earlier than beginning final weekend’s victory over Everton.
Having beforehand known as her restoration an “emotional and bodily rollercoaster”, she stated “it means loads” to attain once more for the Gunners after a 413-day wait.
“Coming again from injury, some gamers do not overthink it, however I did,” added Miedema.
“I used to be scared to return again. I really feel like the outdated me once more, possibly even higher than the outdated me. I do not take into consideration my knees any extra which is nice.”
Arsenal are three factors behind league leaders Chelsea within the desk, and the return of one of many recreation’s best strikers might be useful as they appear to chase down their London rivals.
Manager Jonas Eidevall stated: “Return to play is available in many alternative phases. One factor is if you’re bodily able to go on the pitch for the first time, that does not imply you are prepared together with your decision-making, together with your approach, together with your self-confidence. That takes a bit longer to construct.”
