It is a happy Ebba Andersson who is back in the hot air after the injury she sustained in the preseason.

- This is something that I have been looking forward to for a very long time and worked hard for. It feels great to be back in the hot air, ”she tells SVT Sport.

During a run at the national team camp in Bruksvallarna, she slipped and injured her knee, the knee she had previously operated on. Something that caused Andersson to miss the opening races this season.

- It was tough to get that bang. The whole season had to pass in my head because I felt that "this is not good". My first feeling was not very positive, says Ebba Andersson.

- I was prepared for it to be quite extensive. But then the rehab has flown on well and we have found a good plan and we have been able to work forward. We have had this as something to aim for, since if it did not go we have been humble before.

"If you want something so much goes"

Being able to start the Tour de Ski has been a goal during the rehab, although Ebba Andersson was aware that it would be tough to succeed.

- I didn't think a month and a half ago that I would be able to stand here today. Then everything was pretty night black. I didn't really understand how I could handle it, but if you want something, a lot goes, she says.

Meanwhile, she has followed the World Cup from a distance and has found inspiration from it.

- Now I'm really ready to give what I have, so we'll see how I stand. I believe and hope it will suit me well. There are many distance races where I have succeeded the very best in my career.

What is it like not really knowing where you stand?

- It's a little uncertain, a little exciting. But at the same time, I'm triggered a bit by it, to go in without expectations.