Tottenham captain Shelina Zadorsky has opened up about the physical and mental health struggles that have seen her sidelined from competitive action in recent months.
The defender, who arrived in north London from Orlando Pride in 2020, hasn't featured for Spurs since their 2-1 defeat to Manchester United on February 12 and played her last competitive fixture for national side Canada against Japan on February 22. In a statement on social media, Zardosky has now revealed she had had to contend with an array of health issues, having contracted Covid twice in the space of two months.
After playing two games in the space of four days in December, Zadorsky tested positive for the virus and was granted time off to recover over Christmas. However, after fighting her way back to fitness, the 30-year-old tested positive again while away with her national side and recorded "alarming" heart rate statistics after playing 90 minutes against Japan.
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“For the first time in my career, I reached a limit,” Zadorsky said in her emotional statement. “In my own experience over the last three and a half months I have been dealing with health challenges relating to Covid, illness, fatigue, and honestly, every sick symptom you can name.
“In mid-December I found out I had Covid at the end of a three-game week. Unfortunate timing, after playing sick through all three matches. My club and I figured I needed a break during Christmas… I cannot remember the last time I took six consecutive days off.
“I left everything I had out on the pitch [against Manchester United]. Come to find out that I had Covid again… the day after leaving everything on the pitch versus United I headed into camp [with Canada] less than 24 hours later. Arrival in camp was a tough one… I couldn’t train on day two because I was so ill… I managed to play 45 minutes against Brazil and 90 minutes against Japan… your heart rate spent 81 minutes at 90-100% of your max… Alarming.”
Ahead of Tottenham's FA Cup clash with Reading on February 26, Zadorsky was also diagnosed with glandular fever and Coeliac’s disease, and admitted her physical and mental struggles had pushed her to "breaking point".
“I finally told my coach that I was not physically or mentally prepared to be at my best for the team [against Reading],” she said. “I finally let my full guard down.
"I was not okay… by this time, my mental health also had its breaking point. I was in uncharted territory for myself but I’m fortunate to have the support from my club, doctors, nutritionists, my teammates and national team, and all the incredible people in my life, including my partner.”
After a testing few months, Zadorsky is now back in training and eager to come back "stronger than ever" to help Tottenham climb the table and avoid relegation in their final five games.
“Truly, this message is to anyone who is struggling," she said. "You are not alone, so take the small wins, reach out for help, and whether good or bad, this too shall pass.”
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