Arsenal and Netherlands forward Vivianne Miedema is making strides in her recovery from a cruciate ligament injury that sidelined her for ten months. Miedema expressed that she is starting to feel like her old self again, although she acknowledges a 'new normal' of pain management post-injury.
Miedema made her return to Women's Super League action in October after sustaining the ACL tear against Lyon in the Champions League. Unfortunately, the injury forced her to miss the 2022 Women's World Cup, where the Netherlands were eliminated in the quarterfinals by Spain.
Reflecting on her progress, Miedema shared, 'I almost feel like my old self again. After a cruciate ligament injury, it sometimes involves trial and error. I feel fit and fresh, but the new normal involves a different level of pain management.'
Despite not being completely pain-free, Miedema has adapted to the challenges of recovery. She emphasized the mental and physical strain of returning to the field after a long rehabilitation period, noting the uncertainties and adjustments that come with it.
Miedema, known for her prolific goal-scoring record, highlighted the prevalence of cruciate ligament injuries among female players, citing examples of fellow Dutch teammates who have faced similar setbacks.
Looking ahead, Miedema and the Netherlands are focused on securing a spot in the upcoming Olympics through the Nations League, with a chance for redemption against Spain, the team that ended their World Cup campaign.
As they prepare for the Nations League semifinal, Miedema expressed optimism about the team's progress since the World Cup, emphasizing their commitment to approaching the competition with determination and resilience.
With her sights set on continued recovery and success on the field, Miedema's journey serves as a testament to the perseverance and dedication required to overcome significant injuries in the world of women's football.
