Jess Fishlock: Wales midfielder returns to WSL with Reading
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Jess Fishlock (left) and her Wales teammate Natasha Harding (right) will now be clubmates
Wales' most capped player Jess Fishlock has joined Women's Super League (WSL) club Reading on loan.
The OL Reign midfielder can play in the WSL while America's National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) is on hiatus.
Fishlock has not played in the WSL since 2012 but will now link up with a Royals squad containing five Wales internationals.
"I am really excited about playing in the WSL again," the 33-year-old told BBC Sport Wales last week.
Fishlock spent 13 months sidelined by a serious knee injury she suffered in June 2019 that required surgery.
She returned to play for Reign in the NWSL Challenge Cup, but with the season shortened drastically in the USA, Fishlock is now looking to gain full match fitness with her rehab disrupted by Covid-19 restrictions.
Fishlock is set to be involved in Wales' Euro 2021 qualifiers, which resume on 22 September when Wales travel to Oslo to face Norway.
Her first game for her new club will likely be in the Royals' season opener when they travel to Arsenal on Sunday, 6 September.
'All eyes will be on the WSL this season'
"Jess is a world class player that has a wealth of experience at the very top level of the women's game," Royals manager Kelly Chambers said.
"Not only does Jess have incredible experience behind her, she also possesses a fantastic understanding of the game that will only help the players around her on the pitch and our team to progress.
"What I love about Jess is that she is still so hungry to develop and learn and I'm so excited to work with her over this period. It's fantastic to bring Jess to our club."
"I am super excited to be joining Reading on loan," Fishlock added.
"I can't wait to get started and I'm really looking forward to helping Reading push on to another level."