Karly Roestbakken returns from injury for LSK Kvinner FK after more than six months away from pitch

The 20-year-old came on for her Norwegian side LSK Kvinner FK in their 3-1 win over Stabk on Saturday to play her first minutes since April.

Her return to the Toppserien league in the 82^nd minute, to replace 19-year-old Norwegian player Mia Authen, was met by applause from her teammates as she ran on.

"There's no words that can describe how damn good that felt," she said on Instagram.

"So stoked to finally be back on the park with my incredible team after a long time out. Thank you to everyone who has supported me through this journey, you have made it all worth it."

MORE IN CANBERRA SPORT:

Roestbakken had been sidelined since the Matildas' 5-2 loss against Germany back in April, where she had to be subbed off in the opening stages due to an undiagnosed injury causing pain in her right foot.

It was later discovered she had a tarsal condition - where two bones are abnormally connected - and underwent surgery weeks later to have a piece of bone removed.

She had hoped to be back in time for Tokyo, but those hopes were quashed by her injury and she returned to the ACT to begin her rehab program.

Her return to the pitch comes just in time for the Matildas' international window, with Roestbakken named in the side's 23-player squad to take on Brazil in two friendlies in Sydney.

The defender has limited minutes under her belt ahead of the two fixtures, but was in the Australian camp last month in Ireland.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: