Chelsea forward Pernille Harder is set for a 'significant' spell on the sidelines after undergoing surgery on a hamstring problem.
Harder was forced to leave the field just 10 minutes into Denmark's clash with Switzerland during the international break and returned to the Blues' Cobham training ground where she was assessed by club doctors. Chelsea have now confirmed the 30-year-old will be out of action for the foreseeable in what is a huge blow for Emma Hayes' side.
Since arriving at Kingsmeadow from Wolfsburg in the summer of 2020, Harder has established herself as an integral part of Hayes' outfit; netting 13 times in 29 games last season as Chelsea secured a domestic double. The Danish international has already made a bright start to the 2022/23 Women's Super League campaign, having scored three goals in four appearances.
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In a statement released on Monday, Chelsea said: "Following a hamstring injury sustained while representing her native Denmark during the international break, Pernille has been reviewed at Cobham by the Chelsea medical team. Following that review and further discussion with a specialist, Pernille has undergone surgery and is expected to be sidelined for a significant period.
"Pernille will now begin a rehabilitation programme with support from the club’s medical team. Everyone at Chelsea sends their best wishes to Pernille in her recovery."
Get well soon, @PernilleMHarder! pic.twitter.com/I8PEVAhRug
— Chelsea FC Women (@ChelseaFCW)
Harder also took to Instagram to share the news with her fans. Alongside of a photo of the 30-year-old giving a thumbs up from her hospital bed, Harder wrote: "Saturday I underwent a successful operation on my hamstring. A time with recovery and rehabilitation now awaits before I can return to the pitch.
"It's never fun when those things happen but I'm ready to work hard and take on the challenge. No matter how hard it is with the injury, I will use it as an opportunity to come back in even better shape when I'm out on the other side.
"I feel lucky to be surrounded by so many talented people who I know will help me on the road back to recovery so I feel safe and very motivated."
Chelsea returned to the summit of the WSL table on Sunday following their emphatic 3-0 victory over Tottenham at Stamford Bridge.
Emma Hayes, who returned to the touchline at the weekend just five weeks after undergoing an emergency hysterectomy, will hope her side can continue their excellent form when they welcome Real Madrid to Kingsmeadow in the UEFA Women's Champions League on Wednesday night.
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