England star Jo Harten has played down the knee injury that saw her limp from the court in her side’s four-goal loss to the Queensland Firebirds.
Harten is an integral part of the England team heading into July’s all-important Netball World Cup.
But she landed awkwardly in the second quarter of the clash with the Firebirds after trying to take a high ball on the baseline, and immediately limped to the bench.
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Her inability to play out the match at Nissan Arena on Sunday left many international fans holding their breath.
Speaking to Fox Netball after the GIANTS’ loss, Harten remained positive about her playing future.
“I think it’s fine,” she said.
“Just had a bit of a funny landing.”
Harten missed both England’s tour of Australia last October and the Quad Series played in Cape Town in January due to an issue with the same knee she injured on Sunday.
After opting for an off-season clean out on that left knee, Harten missed the opening round of the season before returning in Round 2.
“It’s my operated leg and I’m probably about 12 weeks out of surgery so I’m still trying to complete that rehab process while playing professional sport,” she told Fox Netball.
“I had a brief conversation with the physio – we just weighed up if it worth coming back out for a half or just seeing how it is.
“Hopefully I’ll be all guns blazing next week.”
Harten was seen testing out her knee at half time and was up on the exercise bike during the third term with her left leg heavily strapped.
It’s great news for the Roses who missed Harten’s experience and physicality in the Quad Series where they failed to make the tournament final.
Netball great Catherine Cox said Harten’s update was great news for the competition.
“She doesn’t even want to think about it not being right and not being back for next week,” she said.
“We dearly hope that is the case.
“Really positive signs and fingers crossed she is back quickly.”
But while it’s good news for Harten, without her the GIANTS fell away against the previously winless Firebirds.
The GIANTS now sink to 2-4 – just one win clear of the bottom of the table Firebirds.
