Slow and steady recovery for Raso
MATILDAS star Hayley Raso says the recent Women’s World Cup draw has given her a lift as she continues her comeback from a serious back injury.
Raso hasn’t played since she broke three vertebrae in her back in a US club game in August.
The 24-year-old has recently returned to full training and while she’s still taken a conservative approach, she admits the lure of earning a spot in Australia’s World Cup squad is a key motivator.
“Just seeing the World Cup draw gets you even more excited,” Raso said. “My goal is just to get back, start playing minutes again this W- League season and progress from there. Hopefully make that World Cup squad.”
Raso is yet to set a date when she could return to playing, saying the severity of her injury means she has to resist any temptation to rush herself back into action.
“I try to stop that just because of how serious the injury was,” she said. “I’m just taking it day-by-day. It’s just great to be back with the team, in that team environment, taking a few hits, getting into tackles.
“It means I’m progressing and I’m getting closer to coming back each session.”
Australia will face Brazil, Italy and Jamaica in their group at the World Cup, which will be held in France from June 7.
For all the frustration that has come with her injury layoff, Raso also believes there has been benefits for her.
“I’m actually learning a lot whilst not playing,” Raso said. “Just seeing what’s going on in the game and just taking stuff from that.”