Great Britain’s forward Alex Danson picked up an injury to her right ankle during a training match against New Zealand on Monday in Hong Kong.
She now faces a race against time in order to be fit for Great Britain’s first match which is 11 days away.
A scan yesterday revealed a grade one ligament strain to her right ankle, which will require seven to 10 days recovery time. This is the best possible outcome for Danson under the circumstances.
The 23 year old will continue treatment in Macau and remain part of the women’s hockey squad, and will be subject to a final fitness test.
Britain beat New Zealand 2-0 in the warm up game and will face defending Olympic champions Germany in their opening game on August 10th.
Coach Danny Kerry told the BBC that being without the services of Danson “would be a bit like losing Wayne Rooney just before a tournament”.
He added: “She’s our highest outfield goalscorer. She was just running and went over on her ankle.”
This year’s team is very strong and has beaten Germany, Holland and Argentina during the Olympic build-up. They will be looking to emulate the success we had in the sport in Barcelona 16 years ago, when the British women won bronze.
Louise Hudson, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine
Women’s hockey will be played in Beijing from August 10th - 22nd.
