Great Britain’s hockey captain Kate Walsh faces Olympics fitness race after jaw surgery
The resilience of Great Britain women's captain Kate Walsh will be tested over the next couple of days as she tries to make a speedy recovery from surgery on a fractured jaw.
Having spent Sunday night in hospital after being hit in the face by a stick during GB's opening 4-0 win over Japan the 32-year-old underwent surgery to insert a plate.
Medical advice is that it should not preclude her from playing again in the tournament and it seems that any decision will now rest with Walsh – Britain's most experienced player.
'Her recovery from the operation will be monitored and her ongoing participation in the Olympic Games will be reviewed following her return to the athletes' village,' read Team GB's statement on Monday.
'The injury itself is not expected to prevent Walsh from playing hockey.
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'Her continued participation is dependent on her recovery from the surgery and this will be assessed on an ongoing basis over the coming days.'
Walsh's injury was the only blot on an otherwise perfect opening night of competition for GB's women, under the guidance of King's Lynn head coach Danny Kerry.
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Four goals in the first half put Japan to the sword in a 4-0 Pool A victory, with South Korea next up on Tuesday night.