MANILA — Liza Soberano is back in the Philippines after two and a half months in the US, where she underwent a series of operations to address the fractured finger which resulted in her withdrawal from the high-profile “Darna” film project.

Soberano, who had originally expected to be gone for only two weeks, was welcomed home Monday by fans at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

As her finger continues to heal, Soberano will not be working for two more months, she told ABS-CBN News’ MJ Felipe.

LOOK: Fans with signs and flowers greeted Liza Soberano upon her arrival. Some fans shouted "Hopie namiss ka namin!" pic.twitter.com/B89ByjEilY

— MJ Felipe (@mjfelipe) July 21, 2019

During that time, she will undergo occupational therapy to regain the full movement of her finger. She has been advised against engaging in sports or any strenuous physical activity, Soberano shared, pointing out that sweating may risk infection.

Soberano is looking forward to resuming work in September, when filming for her upcoming series with real-life and onscreen partner Enrique Gil will start.

The couple’s last TV project together was the 2018 fantaserye “Bagani,” where Soberano sustained her finger injury due to an accident while filming an action scene.

It was in April when Soberano announced her decision to give up the coveted role of Darna, in light of the injury that vastly limited the stunts and physical training she could perform.

The new Darna, Jane de Leon, was introduced last week.

Soberano said she has reached out to de Leon, a fellow Star Magic artist, to give her words of encouragement in the face of pressure from expectations of fans of the Mars Ravelo character.

“I know how overwhelming it can be once the announcement comes out. There are a lot of people who will be happy for her, there will be a lot of people that won’t be so happy, because every one has their own opinion.

“I know that social media can kind of get to your head, and I just wanted her to know that she’s not alone, because I went through the same thing. I’m sure Ate Angel went through the same thing,” she said.

Soberano was referring to actress Angel Locsin, who was originally attached to the “Darna” project as the titular character, until her departure in 2017 due to a spine injury.

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Referring to de Leon, she continued: “I just want to welcome her, because I don’t want her to think that I might be a little bit sad that I’m not doing it anymore. I’m completely happy that she’s doing it, and I’m happy for Star Cinema.

“I was kind of nervous that they might not find someone as soon as they needed, and I’m really happy that they found her. I feel like they found the perfect match.”