Everton forward Nicoline Sorensen is hoping to get back on the scoresheet for Brian Sorensen's side after making her long-awaited Women's Super League return against Arsenal at the weekend.
The Denmark international has spent more than 14 months on the sidelines after rupturing her anterior cruciate ligament in the Blues' 3-1 win over Birmingham City in September 2021. Sorensen was forced to undergo two surgeries and months of rehab before she was deemed fit enough to return to the matchday squad at Meadow Park on Saturday.
Everton fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat against Arsenal, with all-time WSL top goalscorer Vivianne Miedema's first-half strike enough to secure all three points for the Gunners. However, the return of Sorensen, who entered the fray in place of Aggie Beever-Jones in the 75th minute, was a welcome sight for the Toffees, who have suffered a deluge of injuries in recent weeks.
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Reflecting on her return to action, the Dane told club media : "It felt unreal. It's a moment that I've been waiting for so, so long. I've taken my time but it was worth the wait and I'm just so happy."
The 25-year-old almost crowned her highly-anticipated return with an assist; Lucy Graham firing wide in the 90th minute after latching onto Sorensen's ball inside the area. The result marked Everton's fifth defeat of the season, however Sorensen's comeback could help the Toffees to turn the tide as they prepare for their final four games of the year.
"It felt really good to come on. I found some good spaces and I just tried to play my game," she said.
"I didn't have too many expectations for myself. I just wanted to go out there and enjoy it. We of course came to get points but we were close, and we have been close against the top teams.
"We're progressing, trying to do the right things and I'm sure the points will come very soon. I feel good and now I just want to build on (this)."
Reflecting on what she hopes to contribute over the coming months, Sorensen said: "Of course I would love to hit the back of the net. That would be another big milestone for me.
"The first goal was to get back on the pitch, the next is to score. I want to help as much as I can. Assist, score, play well. I hope I can do that before Christmas."
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