 Walsh is set to play some part in the latter stages of the tournament |
England women's hockey captain Kate Walsh has been given the all-clear to join up with her team-mates for the World Cup qualifying event in Rome. Walsh was struck in the throat during practice on Saturday and was rushed to hospital with intense swelling.
But the Slough player has seen a throat specialist in England and will fly back on Friday, 28 April to rejoin the squad and resume her captaincy role.
She has missed two games so far, but England have managed to win both.
Under the temporary stewardship of Leicester's Helen Richardson, England defeated Ukraine 3-0 and followed that up with a 2-1 victory over China.
England now face France, Scotland and Japan in their other pool games.
The top two sides from each six-team pool will progress to the semi-finals, with the final on 6 May.
The first five teams will qualify for the World Cup in Madrid, Spain, from 27 September to 8 October.
Seven teams have already confirmed their participation - Argentina, Australia, Germany, India, Netherlands, South Africa and hosts Spain.
MMIX
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