Arsenal star Vivianne Miedema has returned to action after a brief knee surgery layoff.

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 21: Vivianne Miedema of Arsenal is challenged by Julie Thibaud of Leicester City during the Barclays Women's Super League match between Arsenal FC and Leicester City at Emirates Stadium on April 21, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Patrick Khachfe/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 21: Vivianne Miedema of Arsenal is challenged by Julie Thibaud of Leicester City during the Barclays Women’s Super League match between Arsenal FC and Leicester City at Emirates Stadium on April 21, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Patrick Khachfe/Getty Images)

Vivianne Miedema, Arsenal‘s prolific striker, has made a welcome return to the pitch after a brief absence following knee surgery. Her appearance in the closing stages of Arsenal‘s 3-0 victory over Leicester City marks a significant step forward.

Overcoming injury setbacks

Miedema’s recent injury woes began in February after the Netherlands’ Nations League match against Spain. This setback came after a lengthy recovery from a devastating ACL injury that had sidelined her for nearly a year. The fear was that she had once again seriously aggravated her knee, requiring further surgery and an extended absence. However, her recovery appears to have been swift, with initial reports of “several weeks” of downtime proving accurate.

A note of caution

While Miedema’s comeback is certainly cause for celebration, it’s important to exercise caution. Knee injuries can be notoriously fickle, and it’s vital that Arsenal and the Dutch national team manage her workload carefully to avoid further complications.