Canberra United dropped a key signing only eight and half hours out from their first kickoff of the season.
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Canberra's Karly Roestbakken is making a return to her home club and will join the team for their season opener against Melbourne City at Viking Park on Friday.
Her signing was announced at 11.15am, some eight and half hours before the side is set to kick off their A-League Women's season at 7.45pm.
The 20-year-old returns to United on a loan agreement from LSK Kvinner FK, and will likely have to head back to Norway for their 2022 season by March.
She was sidelined for the majority of this year's Toppserien league season due to a foot injury that reached breaking point in April, before she returned to the pitch in October.
Roestbakken rejoins United after seasons in 2016-2019 and said she could not wait to be back out in green this season.
"I'm so excited to be back at Canberra for part of the season," she said.
"Canberra is home, I always love coming back here, especially to this club. I've heard very good things about Vicki so I'm excited to work with her and help the team achieve great things this season."
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The defender left United in 2019 following several seasons with the club, after her Matildas debut at the Paris World Cup the same year led to her signing with LSK.
Roestbakken has had limited minutes under her belt since April, but despite only returning to the pitch three rounds out from the conclusion of the Norwegian season, she has maintained her training and been part of the national side's camp for their two recent trips back to Australia.
United head coach Vicki Linton said it was great to be able to sign the defender on loan.
"It's a good addition for us and a great way for her to continue to train and play over the next couple of months," she said.
"Karly is a local Canberra player and has played for the club for a number of years.
"I look forward to working with her for the first time and to see what she can bring to the group after her recent experience with the CommBank Matildas and time overseas."
Roestbakken became United's 18th signing, in addition to two scholarship players, ahead of the season's kickoff on Friday night.
Canberra United's 2021/22 A-League Women's squad
Goalkeepers: 1.Keeley RICHARDS, 21.Beth MASON-JONES
Defenders: 2.Emma ILIJOSKI, 3.Mikayla VIDMAR, 5.Lauren KEIR, 16. Karly ROESTBAKKEN, 25. Ally HARAN
Midfielders: 6.Laura HUGHES, 7.Chelsee WASHINGTON, 8.Margot ROBINNE, 10.Grace MAHER, 11.Chloe MIDDLETON, 13.Alexia KARRYS-STAHL
Forwards: 9.Holly CASPERS, 12.Allira TOBY, 14.Ashleigh SYKES, 20.Hayley TAYLOR-YOUNG, 23.Michelle HEYMAN
Scholarship players: Sasha GROVE, Chloe LINCOLN