Injured Steel co-captain to miss more game time
“Kate is making positive progress with rehabilitation and we are working hard on her return to the court."
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Southern Steel co-captain Kate Heffernan is “making positive progress” with her knee injury as she works towards a return to the court.
The formidable midcourter hyperextended her right knee during training on May 8th days out from Sunday’s ANZ Premiership opener against the Tactix in Christchurch.
The recovery timeframe for a hyperextended knee injury is said to be between two and four weeks.
Steel physio Stacey Allan confirmed the injury had now been fully assessed, and a robust recovery plan was in place.
“Kate is making positive progress with rehabilitation and we are working hard on her return to the court,” she said.
Having now processed the initial disappointment, Heffernan said she was fully focused on getting back amongst the action.
“Unfortunately, injuries are one of the realities of elite sport but that doesn’t make it any less heartbreaking not be able to get out there with my team,” she said.
“We have all worked incredibly hard during the preseason and deserve to reap the rewards of that now the competition has started.
“Watching from the sidelines definitely fuels my determination. I will be following the expert advice of our medical team to the letter and doing everything in my power to play as soon as I get the green light, but I know I have to be patient.”
Heffernan travelled with the team in a leadership role for the opening game against the Tactix in Christchurch on Sunday.
“Naturally I want to be out there playing my part, but I have the upmost faith in our entire squad to get the job done regardless of who is wearing the bibs. We have prepared for every scenario,” she said.
The Steel’s next game is against the Magic in Hamilton on Monday.