Melanie Leupolz has opened up on her emotional first game back for Chelsea following her maternity leave.
Leupolz, 28, had not played since a Champions League tie with Wolfsburg back in December 2021 but returned to the Blues side for the FA Cup tie with Liverpool at Kingsmeadow on Sunday. It proved a triumphant comeback for the German international as Chelsea won a five-goal thriller thanks to a Sam Kerr hat-trick.
The midfielder was brought on by manager Emma Hayes with seven minutes remaining and instantly picked up where she left off, looking composed on the ball and helping her side see out the win and advance to the next round. Even before Leupolz stepped back on the pitch, she was given a superb ovation from the Kingsmeadow faithful when her name was read out amongst the substitutes before kick-off.
