Photo via BBC Sport

Delight for Cuthbert with Scotland after 'long summer' of recovery

Erin Cuthbert expressed immense relief following her return to action in Scotland's two-nil victory over the Czech Republic in the opening leg of their Women's World Cup play-off. The twenty-eight-year-old Chelsea midfielder entered the contest as a substitute in Pardubice after missing the beginning of the club campaign due to a serious knee injury that required crutches and a brace.

Caroline Weir opened the scoring with a brilliant strike, and fellow substitute Claire Emslie sealed the triumph with a clinical finish. Scotland will host the return fixture in Paisley on Tuesday, with the victor advancing to face Sweden.

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