The 31-year-old wing-back arrived from Swedish club Rosengard last summer but suffered a foot injury in pre-season.

She was restricted to 17 appearances last term, seven of them starts.

"For a player her age, it's absolutely vital she's playing week in, week out. We couldn't guarantee that with the squad numbers we have," said Chelsea manager Emma Hayes.

Chelsea begin the new season with a home derby against Tottenham Women on Sunday, 8 September.