For a world-class striker, 20 months is a long time to go without a goal.
But Sam Kerr didn't have a say in the matter - because of a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
The 32-year-old had not played since December 2023 after injuring her knee in a training camp with the Blues.
After 637 days out, she marked her return in style on Sunday - scoring her 100th goal for the club just 13 minutes after her introduction in a 3-1 Women's Super League win over Aston Villa.
"It's almost as if we have got an extra signing with her back," Chelsea goalkeeper Hannah Hampton told Sky Sports.
"It's a big help for us going forward."
Kerr, in true centre-forward fashion, pounced on a loose ball after a goalmouth scramble and made no mistake with the finish, slamming it past Villa keeper Ellie Roebuck before celebrating joyfully with her team-mates.
Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor said the goal rounded off a "perfect day" for Kerr.
"Personally, I'm really pleased," Bompastor said. "But I think she is also really pleased with that, and you know what Sam represents for Chelsea. For me, she's an idol.
"We all know how tough it was for her, being away from the game and from the pitch for so long.
"She doesn't like being in front of everyone and getting the limelight, but she really deserves it. I think she needs to enjoy it as well because she's been through tough moments, so when you have positives, you need to celebrate them."