From the highest highs to the lowest lows: How Bjorn is rediscovering her best self — SkimNews
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- Nathalie Bjorn suffered a hamstring injury in December 2025, returned for the League Cup final against Manchester United in March, but re-injured her calf after just 120 seconds, beginning a second six-month rehabilitation that kept her out until late September.
- Bjorn made her latest return as an 87th-minute substitute against Birmingham at the end of September, with her mother and sister in attendance — a reception she called 'one of the highlights in my career' and said made every tough rehab day 'worth it in the end.'
- This summer, Bjorn was named one of Chelsea's vice-captains alongside Lucy Bronze, supporting new captain Erin Cuthbert, with the trio reportedly having complementary leadership traits confirmed by a personality test.
- Chelsea are unbeaten in all competitions this season and have conceded the fewest WSL goals (3), with Bjorn crediting improved training intensity and player relationships built since Sonia Bompastor's first unbeaten campaign at the club.
- Bjorn said last season — Bompastor's second in charge — was a test of how the team would handle adversity, specifically pointing to the Aston Villa loss as a game Chelsea 'had many opportunities to put to bed' but failed to convert.
- Chelsea physio Andy Walling supported Bjorn through her second rehab by letting her 'feel all the emotions' — including days where she felt 'I just want to go home' — which she credited as essential to her recovery.
Why it matters: Bjorn's return adds leadership and defensive depth to a Chelsea side that leads the WSL in goals conceded (3) and is unbeaten in all competitions. As one of three vice-captains under new captain Erin Cuthbert, her stated emphasis on reliability — 'I want to be the person they can rely on' — directly addresses the leadership test Bompastor's squad faced during last season's stumble, including the dropped points against Aston Villa.
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