The 35-year-old, everyday in Juventus, missed the Olympics in Tokyo after suffering a cruciate ligament injury in May 2021. In February, she was back in the club team, to then play for Sweden in the World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Ireland.
But at a camp in Båstad before the European Championships in England, Linda Sembrant first sprained her foot, then her calves ached.
Therefore, she was not allowed to play in Sweden's two opening group games against the Netherlands and Switzerland.
"Very nice"
But against Portugal she was back.
- Very nice to have had these minutes, very fun to be out and play again, says Sembrant about the jump-in.
At the time, Sweden already led 4-0, not directly a pressured position for the midfielder to get into. But there was no reason to slow down, she says.
- Then it is very important that we continue, that I come in and try to help the team and continue on the track we are on.
The collaboration with the team worked well even though it was a while since she played a match with the national team.
"Very simple"
- You get into it quickly.
But it is very simple, we are used to each other, this team is full of lots of leaders so it is very easy to come in and play with them.
How it will be with playing time in the rest of the championship is unclear, but the body feels better and better, says Sembrant.
- No idea, we'll see, but I think I'm well on my way.
Nice and fun to play a whole second half today for myself.
The match ended with a Swedish victory with 5-0.
On Monday, Sweden's quarter-final opposition will be decided.
- We will bring with us a lot of things that we did well.
Now just follow the result tomorrow and see who the opponents will be.