Stenevik: I Can't Wait To Be Playing Again

Elise Stenevik has made her long-awaited return from injury after taking part in full training with the Women's Senior Team this week.

The defender has been out since early October, having been forced off during the interval as the Blues claimed an impressive point against Arsenal at the Emirates.

A key player in Brian Sorensen’s side, the Norwegian had started both WSL fixtures before sustaining a tendon injury in her hamstring.

After her first session back, Stenevik told evertonfc.com: “It has been great! I have really missed training in a group so I am really happy.”

She added: “The recovery has been good! In the first few weeks, I was flying, and then the transition back on to the pitch is always a bit more difficult. We made it work and I have had great help and work from the physios, the strength and conditioning coaches, and the other injured players which makes it a lot more enjoyable.”

The 25-year-old attended several of the Toffees’ fixtures while on the sidelines, cheering her teammates on from the stands of the more familiar Goodison Park and Walton Hall Park and also travelling down to Leicester to show her support.

“It is really important for the injured players to feel like you are a part of the team," added Stenevik. "For us to come to the games, made us feel like we could contribute in whatever, small matter we could. Whenever I am injury-free and playing, it always means a lot if there is a group of players backing the team.

“It is always nice as a player to see your injured teammates coming in and supporting the team, so I wanted to do the same with the rest of the injured players.”

The stalemate with Arsenal in October marked a string of positive performances from the Blues, coming inbetween a League Cup victory over Newcastle United prior to the trip to the capital and a dominant draw against West Ham on home soil.

The Norway national recalled her injury, adding: “It was in the last few seconds of the first half. I was sprinting back to goal and then I felt the pop. I just kept on running, when you are in the flow, you just keep on running.

“I stood up and felt a bit of pain. We said at half-time that we did not want to risk anything, obviously I did not know that it was as bad as it was. Then, I got back to Liverpool and it was a tear in the tendon, which is never good. I am back again now, though."

The centre-back has since missed six fixtures, and looks set to be absent from the matchday squad that travels to north London on Sunday to face Tottenham Hotspur (1pm GMT).

With the home clash against Manchester City on Sunday 15 December a more realistic target, the left-footer has her eyes firmly set on a comeback.

“I can’t wait!" she said. "Now I'm in the team training sessions. I am really, really looking forward to it.”