Melanie Leupolz made her first appearance for Chelsea Women in over a year in our FA Cup victory over Liverpool, after returning following her pregnancy and maternity leave, and declared that she could not be happier with life on and off the pitch.

The German international had last played for Chelsea Women in December 2021, in a Champions League group-stage fixture against Wolfsburg in her homeland, although she had been set to feature in the Women’s Super League home game against Liverpool last week, before it was abandoned six minutes in due to a frozen pitch.

Instead, Leupolz made her eagerly anticipated comeback against the same opponents in the Women’s FA Cup fourth round on Sunday, being introduced from the bench with seven minutes remaining to help us secure a 3-2 win in a thrilling cup tie at Kingsmeadow.

Manager Emma Hayes and captain Magdalena Eriksson have both spoken recently of their delight at having Melanie back in the squad, but the midfielder had her own say following the weekend win, describing the emotions of being on the pitch with the Blues again, at Kingsmeadow and Cobham.

‘It was really special,’ said Leupolz. ‘It’s a nice feeling to be back with the team, competing for titles and, of course, I'm happy about getting the win on the day.

‘I just missed competing with the team, because you can always train by yourself but it’s not that much fun, not like training with your team-mates.’

Sam Kerr may have stolen the show with her hat-trick against the Reds, but Leupolz was also given a huge ovation from the Kingsmeadow crowd when her name was announced among the substitutes before kick-off, showing the high regard she is held in by supporters.

‘The crowd is always special at Kingsmeadow, I love all of the fans. To be honest I couldn’t really hear it at the time, so I will watch it back so I can listen. But they always make so much noise and it’s nice to play in front of them.’

The midfielder, who signed a new contract with Chelsea earlier this month, also discussed her busy new life as a professional footballer and a mother, and clearly could not be happier.

‘It’s interesting and of course it’s quite exhausting, but it’s lovely and I love to combine both,’ said Leupolz. ‘I’m happy to be with the team again and having my little child, so everything is good.’

She won’t have to wait long for her next chance to continue her comeback, either, with Chelsea Women travelling to Tottenham Hotspur for a WSL London derby on Sunday.