Netball star Beth Cobden ruled out of this summer’s World Cup

The 26-year-old, from Staffordshire, suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament while playing for the Adelaide Thunderbirds against the Melbourne Vixens in the Australian Super Netball competition on Saturday.

Cobden – who grew up in Heath Hayes, near Cannock and attended Five Ways Primary School – suffered the same injury last year, forcing to spend 10 months on the sidelines.

She had signed for the Thunderbirds during the off-season from the English game, where she plays for Loughborough Lightning.

However, after suffering the latest devastating injury it was confirmed the England wing-defence star would need surgery – ruling her out for another significant period of time.

Adelaide Thunderbirds said: “Scans have confirmed that Cobden has ruptured her left anterior cruciate ligament and will require surgery to repair the damage.

“Cobden will miss the remainder of the 2019 season.”

And Melody Cooper, Thunderbirds’ general manager, said the entire team are gutted for Cobden.

“We are saddened by the news regarding Beth’s season-ending injury and our priority right now is supporting Beth and ensuring she is okay,” she said.

“Beth possesses amazing strength and will overcome this challenge.

“We love the contagious attitude Beth brings to the club and our focus is now on providing her the best recovery and rehabilitation.”

Head coach Tania Obst added: “We are all devastated that Beth will be unable to compete on the court for the remainder of the season.”

Cobden won gold with England at the Commonwealth Games last year and Roses head coach Tracey Neville said Cobden had been ‘exceptional’ for her country over the last four years.

Missing her first chance to go to a World Cup is devastating,” said Neville.

“Beth is an exceptional athlete and her contribution to our team over the last four years has been influential in the success of the Roses.

“We will do everything we can to ensure she is back on court soon.”

Neville is due to announce her 12-player squad next week for the World Cup in Liverpool, which starts on July 12.