WORCESTER, Massachusetts (AP) ― Recovery never comes fast enough for Venus Williams.

The latest has been especially slow for Williams, who plans to return this weekend in the Fed Cup matches against Belarus after a five-month layoff caused by Sjogren’s Syndrome, an autoimmune disease that can cause fatigue and joint pain.

Williams practiced with the U.S. team Wednesday morning and said she’s thrilled to be so close to competing again for the first time since the opening round of the U.S. Open.

“I think just being on a team and just having some adrenaline just gives me even more energy, to be honest,” she said at a news conference Wednesday. “I need to be on a team every week and not at home.”

Williams has had to learn the difference between recovering from an injury and an illness. That has meant pacing herself more in practice and minding doctors’ orders not to push it while she tries to regain her form. The former world No. 1 and seven-time Grand Slam singles winner, Williams isn’t used to taking it easy.

“The difference is acceptance ― trying to accept how you feel and limitations. Listening to your body and taking care of yourself,” she said. “Instead of trying to run through a wall, just really kind of take a step back and be smart. I think that’s kind of what I’ve learned.”

Williams hasn’t played a sanctioned match since the U.S. Open in August. She withdrew after the first round and was not ready to return last month for the Australian Open.

“There are some things you can’t keep going through,” she said. “I still have to be reminded to slow down, but hopefully there will be a day when I don’t have to be reminded of that.”

Williams played younger sister, Serena, in an exhibition in Colombia in November, but that has been her only public competition since Aug. 29 at the U.S. Open.

The recovery has been frustratingly slow at times, but she feels ready for this weekend when the U.S. begins its quest to return to the top tier in the Fed Cup. The Americans were bounced to Group II in a 5-0 loss to Germany last year, when Venus was with the team but couldn’t play because of a hip injury.

“I was just kind of standing on the sidelines, which was tough because I wasn’t able to help the team at all,” she said. “This year, it’s great to be in a position to help the team.”