Australian representative Chelsea Blissett is doing all she can to get back to the highest level.
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The talented AWFA export, who earned Young Matildas selection last year, is recovering well from knee surgery and is hopeful of a return to the park this season.
Blissett played out her second season in the W-League with Melbourne City but was well off her best as she pushed on with a painful knee injury.
Her surgery was delayed post-season due to COVID-19 restrictions, but was a success once she was cleared to get it done in recent weeks.
"I've been at home pretty much since quarantine started and will be home for another two months or so while I'm doing my rehab," Blissett said.
"I ended up getting my knee surgery (three weeks ago) once elective surgeries opened back up.
"I've been travelling well and getting plenty of quality family time in, which has been nice."
The 20-year-old has signed with former club South Melbourne, who first gave her an opportunity at NPL level before she went on to be picked up by Melbourne City in the W-League.
If there is in fact a season, Blissett hopes to be back to full training in 12 weeks and is keen to make an impact and put herself in contention for another W-League contract.
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While the injury made it a difficult season, she's taken plenty from the experience.
"I've never had an injury like this before that has prevented me from performing at 100 per cent," Blissett said.
"It hasn't come at the worst time, being able to focus on my knee has been really good.
"Obviously the circumstances aren't so great, but it's allowed me to really concentrate on getting myself 100 per cent."
Blissett has been keeping in touch with South Melbourne via Zoom meetings and said they started training two weeks ago.
"I've been in contact with the club and the girls and I'm really excited to go back," she said.
"I'm really happy to go back to the club that helped start my W-League career and play with my friends again.
"Some of those friends were my mentors when I first started playing, being so young in that team, so I'm really keen to get back.
"Melbourne City have been really helpful as well.
"I've been going back to Melbourne for some rehab and they've been helping me out with my knee, which was has been great as well."
Blissett played an integral part in the Young Matildas' qualification for the AFC Under-19s Women's Championships, scoring twice in her three appearances in the green and gold.
Her long-term goal is to play in the senior national team as she is no longer eligible for the under-19s.