Crystal Palace Women are preparing for their return to the Women’s Super League after securing promotion during the 2025–26 campaign.
The Eagles bounced back immediately following their relegation from the top flight, with Jo Potter overseeing an impressive rebuilding season.
Palace became particularly strong at home, winning every home league game during 2026 and scoring more home goals than any other team in the division.
Meanwhile, a crucial 2–1 victory over Sunderland in April secured automatic promotion and confirmed their return to the WSL.
However, one member of Potter’s squad has now attracted attention for a very different reason during preparations for the new season.
Crystal Palace midfielder Justine Vanhaevermaet has returned to light training despite being seven months pregnant.
The 34-year-old was pictured training alongside her team-mates while displaying her baby bump. She is expecting her baby in September with her physiotherapist fiance Thomas De Jonghe.
Crystal Palace celebrated her commitment by sharing pictures from the session on social media.
“Seven months pregnant and still putting the work in,” the club wrote.
Vanhaevermaet was all smiles during the training session and even demonstrated her skills with the ball.
The Belgium international joined Crystal Palace following a two-year spell with Everton and helped the Eagles secure immediate promotion.
She made 12 league appearances during the 2025–26 campaign and recorded two goals and one assist.
Vanhaevermaet scored during the 4–4 draw against Southampton. She again found the net in a 2–1 victory over Nottingham Forest.
However, her playing season ended early, with her final appearance coming in February before she announced her pregnancy in April.
She has now continued participating in light pre-season work deep into her third trimester as Palace prepare for their WSL return.
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