Bruce can prove Netball World Cup fitness

West Coast Fever skipper Courtney Bruce will return from an elbow injury in Saturday's Super Netball clash with Collingwood Magpies.

Courtney Bruce

West Coast Fever's Courtney Bruce will return from injury against Collingwood Magpies on Saturday. (AAP)

Star defender Courtney Bruce can prove her fitness for the Netball World Cup when she returns from injury to lead West Coast Fever against Collingwood Magpies on Saturday.

Bruce has missed three weeks since suffering an elbow injury in the opening round of Super Netball.

Her return is timely with Diamonds coach Lisa Alexander to announce her World Cup squad next week.

Bruce, who made her Test debut in 2017, has become a regular fixture in the Australian team and was integral in the Fever's charge to the grand final last season.

Alexander said he was confident 25-year-old Bruce would be available for the World Cup tournament in Liverpool, England from July 12-21.

"She's likely to be available ... we are doing everything we can for Courtney," Alexander told AAP on Thursday.

"We're helping support that process of recovery and I know the Fever want her back out on court as well."

Alexander said there was an option to select World Cup players subject to medical clearance and fitness - but that was something she hoped to avoid.

Captain and shooter Caitlin Bassett, who fractured her left forearm in January while on national duty and missed nearly all of Super Netball's pre-season, has returned to form, a relief for the Diamonds.

The number one seeds and defending champions will open the World Cup with three pool games in three days and could play eight games in 10 days should they advance to the final.

"For a tournament it's so important to have a fully fit team," Alexander said.

"Courtney coming back from her elbow is a concern for us but we're confident that she will be right.

"Caitlin, having a broken arm at the start of the year was concerning for everyone, but to see her out there performing week in, week out, is a good thing."


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Source: AAP


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