With the exception of two minutes in March, she has been off the field for almost six months for Chelsea star Nathalie Björn.
At the same time the centre-back was awarded the Diamond Ball in December, she injured the back of her thigh. And when she made a comeback in the English League Cup final in March, she injured her calf after just two minutes.
Finally, however, the injury period looks to be over.
It's been tough, really, really tough months, says the 29-year-old.
But now we are finally starting to see some light at the end of the tunnel.
“Mental roller coaster”
After the latest injury, there was initially some hope of making it back for the national team's final World Cup qualifying matches, against Denmark tonight and against Italy next week.
But it was clear early on that rehabilitation would take time.
"It was really tough at first. I couldn't walk normally for four to six weeks," says Nathalie Björn.
It's been a mental roller coaster. You want so much, but your body hasn't cooperated.
“Support and love”
Despite the injury, she was present during the national team's World Cup qualifying training in Gothenburg this week, both to cheer up the team and herself.
Ahead of the match against Italy next week, long-term-injured Kosovare Asllani will be replaced with roughly the same assignment.
I am grateful for the opportunity to meet everyone, change the environment and receive the support and love they give me, says Nathalie Björn before tonight's match in Odense.
Hopefully I can give the same back.
Denmark–Sweden starts at 7:15 p.m.
(TT)
With victories against Denmark (tonight, Friday) and Italy (Tuesday), Sweden will be ready for the 2027 World Cup.
However, if Sweden loses to Denmark, they will have to settle for playoff games this fall.
Should there be a draw against Denmark, Sweden must win against Italy, while Denmark must lose points in its final match against Serbia, for Sweden to finish first in the group.
The World Cup in Brazil will be held from June 24 to July 25 next year. A total of 32 teams will participate.
In addition to host nation Brazil, the following teams have qualified for the World Cup so far: Australia, Philippines, Japan, China, North Korea, New Zealand, South Korea.
