The Australian Diamonds preparations for the 2011 Holden Netball Test Series have suffered a setback with captain Natalie von Bertouch sidelined during a team camp at the Australian Institute of Sport with a stress reaction to a sesamoid bone in her right foot.
Following scans yesterday which revealed the stress reaction, precautionary measures have been taken with von Bertouch to wear a cam walker (moon boot) and monitored on a daily basis over the next couple of weeks to ensure her availability for Diamonds' upcoming Test series.
"It's not ideal timing to have this injury but it's something I've dealt with for a while, so I'm keen to get it right and be able to compete in the upcoming Test matches feeling good," von Bertouch said.
"The medical staff want to get it right so I can play in the Test matches properly without putting me too far behind and ensuring that I'm ready for 2012 when (ANZ Championship) pre-season starts."
"It's been a bit painful but it's on the mend, it's probably not as bad as it has been throughout the year so they think it will heal pretty quickly and I'll be right to go very soon."
Diamonds coach Lisa Alexander said the injury to her captain was untimely but is confident that von Bertouch will be back on court for the Holden Netball Test Series against England and New Zealand.
"We're disappointed for Natalie because she's very keen to continue with the captaincy and work with our leadership group and our young team so from her point of view it's very disappointing," Alexander said.
"Myself and the medical staff believe it's in Nat's best long term interest that we look after this injury as clinically accurate as possible, we'll be assessing and monitoring her symptoms on a daily basis with the hope that she will be right to compete in the October series, or as much of it as she possibly can."
Accreditation: Media and Photographer Accreditation for the 2011 Holden Netball Test Series is now available for submission. Please click here <https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2011_Holden_Netball_Test_Series_Media_Ac creditation> to apply for accreditation.
2011 Holden Netball Test Series Dates: 9 Oct - Australian Diamonds v England, Newcastle Entertainment Centre, Newcastle 12 Oct - Australian Diamonds v England, AIS Arena, Canberra 16 Oct - Australian Diamonds v England, Allphones Arena, Sydney 23 Oct - Australian Diamonds v New Zealand Silver Ferns, Burswood Dome, Perth 26 Oct - Australian Diamonds v New Zealand Silver Ferns, Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide 30 Oct - Australian Diamonds v New Zealand Silver Ferns, Hisense Arena, Melbourne.
