Swedish international Lina Hurtig is back on the training pitch with Arsenal after a prolonged absence due to personal reasons.

The 28-year-old forward’s return marks a positive development for both the player and the club, as she looks to regain her form and contribute to the team’s success.

BOREHAMWOOD, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 09: Lina Hurtig of Arsenal reacts during the FA Women's Continental Tyres League Cup match between Arsenal and Bristol City at Meadow Park on November 09, 2023 in Borehamwood, England. (Photo by James Chance/Getty Images)
BOREHAMWOOD, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 09: Lina Hurtig of Arsenal reacts during the FA Women’s Continental Tyres League Cup match between Arsenal and Bristol City at Meadow Park on November 09, 2023 in Borehamwood, England. (Photo by James Chance/Getty Images)

Last season, Hurtig’s featured in only two games for Arsenal. In April, Arsenal announced that she would be taking time off for personal reasons, with coach Jonas Eidevall expressing the club’s full support during her time away.

Now, Hurtig has rejoined her Arsenal teammates, including fellow Swedish international Stina Blackstenius. The club shared images of her back in training on their website, signalling a welcome return for the talented forward.

Taking to Instagram, Hurtig shared her joy at being back on the pitch: “Hey everyone, it’s been a while.. I’ve been dealing with some personal issues that required me to take some time away from the field, but I’m very happy to say that I’m back now and feeling like myself again and I am so excited to be back training with the team.”

LEICESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 12: Lina Hurtig of Arsenal celebrates with teammate Noelle Maritz after scoring the team's sixth goal during the Barclays Women´s Super League match between Leicester City and Arsenal FC at The King Power Stadium on November 12, 2023 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)
LEICESTER, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 12: Lina Hurtig of Arsenal celebrates with teammate Noelle Maritz after scoring the team’s sixth goal during the Barclays Women´s Super League match between Leicester City and Arsenal FC at The King Power Stadium on November 12, 2023 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)

She expressed her gratitude towards the players, staff, and her family for their unwavering support during her challenging period, emphasising the crucial role they played in her recovery. “A big thank you to all players and staff for supporting me through this period. But the biggest thank you to my family, without you I’m nothing.”

The Swedish forward, who joined the Gunners in 2022 from Juventus, boasts an impressive international record with 20 goals in 62 appearances. Her return to full fitness and form will undoubtedly add depth and firepower to Arsenal’s attack who will be hopeful she can see more minutes of action than she has over the past two seasons.

While the specifics of Hurtig’s personal reasons for her absence remain private, her return to training marks a positive step forward. As she focuses on regaining match fitness and integrating back into the squad, Arsenal fans await her return to competitive action, hoping she can replicate her past heroics and make a significant impact on the team.