Watch Saturday’s match between Lyn and Rosenborg on NRK1 from 16.30. – My first reaction was horror, says Birkelund to news. In a duel at training two weeks ago, the Lyn player tore the cruciate ligament in his right knee. In addition, the ligament and a small part of the meniscus were torn in the collision. The episode extends a long and injury-ridden rollercoaster. Unfortunately, the development has gone into a loop several times for the 19-year-old. And when the crucifix smoked for the second time, she understood immediately. NOT THE FIRST TIME: It was not Birkelund’s hospital debut when the cruciate ligament ruptured for the second time. Photo: private – Once you’ve broken your cruciate ligament once, you know what it’s like when it happens again. There is much of the same pain and feeling, as if the knee is jerking, says Birkelund. – I was scared, irritated and angry, my teammates can attest to that. Because I knew what awaited me. In addition, I started to howl, because I took the ligament on the inside of my knee as well, and it hurt terribly. But I cried mostly out of frustration. – An injury hell The horror scenario is by no means unknown to the football talent. For almost two years, she was out after the cruciate ligament ruptured in her right knee. During the training, she experienced several additional injuries, two fatigue fractures and a fracture in the kneecap. With that in mind, the upcoming training cannot be described with warm words: LONG TO: It will be a while until you see a smiling Birkelund in action on the training field again. Photo: Thomas Nordeng, Lyn – Simply put, it’s an injury hell, and there’s no guarantee that I’ll be back one hundred percent, says Birkelund. – I still have some pain, she says. The injury joins a long list of female footballers who have suffered from serious knee injuries: the message from the doctor is always hard to digest – but Birkelund has steeled herself to get back on the pitch. – Now I miss another year of football, but I am very determined and ready to recover from this as well. I will return to top football, she says. – I managed it last time, and when I came back I was even better than before the injury. It’s all about attitude, and when I decide on something, I make it happen. Talent in a special class The ambition to be the best has already taken her far, despite amputated seasons. The 2004 model is described by football expert Carl-Erik Torp as one of the greatest talents of his generation. – How Birkelund has reached the level in the Toppserien is perhaps what I find most impressive. Especially considering that she was injured so much before this year’s season. She went straight in and was a self-entitled member of Lyn’s eleven, says Torp. With both defensive and offensive qualities, Birkelund has filled several roles. Especially as a back, Torp thinks that the Lyn player has made his mark in a convincing way. – She has good physical conditions with speed and strength. In addition, she is calm with the ball and has good technical skills. So it’s an exciting total package that can be very good, he says. CONVINCED: news’s expert allows himself to be impressed by the 19-year-old. Photo: Thomas Nordeng, Lyn Strongly missed in the squad With good excuses, it is therefore easy to understand the loss of Lyn coach Oddbjørn Sindland. His crew will meet Rosenborg for a big showdown in the Toppserien on Saturday afternoon. When the match kicks off at Kringsjå, they would have liked to have an injury-free Birkelund available. – Of course we would have liked Josefine to be able to play now. She was very good before the summer holidays. At the same time, we have other players who get the chance in a stable with more competition than there was this year. But there is certainly a line in the bill, says Sindland. – Hopefully we will see her on the pitch before next summer. So as long as she gets trained, it’s a great resource to have on the team, says Sindland. IMPORTANT FOR CLUB CULTURE: – Josefine is almost always positive and creates a good atmosphere around her. But she can also come annually and speak up if there is anything, says Sindland Photo: private
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