Plumptre celebrates return from injury

Super Falcons defender Ashleigh Plumptre is taken over by emotions following her return from injury that sidelined her for six months after surgery on her right foot.

The England-born made her return for Al-Ittihad earlier this week in a narrow 1-0 win against Al-Ula in the Saudi Women’s Premier League, coming on as a substitute.

After the match, she had expressed gratitude to her supporters in a video on her social media handles, saying, “Hey, Etihad fans, Ashley here, so happy to be back. Even happier with the win and the clean sheet. Thanks for all your support.”

In another statement on the same platforms on Wednesday, the 26-year-old delivered a more profound thank-you message that read, “Still full of emotion reflecting on this part of my journey. Getting back out there last weekend was a reminder of how special moments are when they’re shared. Maybe not always shared side by side, but still, shared. Grateful for those alongside me and those afar who chose to walk this part of my journey with me. It is, and will always be felt.”

Before her anticipated return to action for her club, Plumptre had a two-week rehabilitation after Al-Ittihad confirmed her successful surgery.

“Thank you to everyone at @ittihadladiesclub and to Dr. Pieter D’Hooge at @aspetar for supporting me through my first surgery. It’s been a long time coming trying to get answers, but I’m so grateful to now be at this stage,” she had stated on her X handle after the surgery.

The injury has seen the player miss out on a litany of games involving the Super Falcons, including the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, after which she vowed to come back stronger.

“I can’t wait to be back healthy alongside you all again,” she said, thanking her Nigeria teammates and fans for their patience.

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