Silver Ferns skipper Casey Kopua says it's a day-by-day assessment, but she's confident she'll be ready to go when the trans-Tasman netball league begins.
Kopua, who had surgery on her left ankle in December, will travel with the Test squad on a five-match tour of Britain.
She won't be a playing member, but will be one of four training partners as she continues her recovery.
With New Zealand's big focus in 2014 being the defence of their Commonwealth Games title in Glasgow in July and August, the medical team are anxious not to rush the 77-cap defender back.
Kopua says the plan is to be right for the Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic's first ANZ Championship match against the Mainland Tactix on March 1.
"It's pretty much taking it session by session, but so far it's been great," she said on Thursday, ahead of the Silver Ferns' departure from Auckland.
Kopua, 28, said the operation was similar to one she had on her right ankle two years ago.
"It's just to tidy up the build-up of things that have happened," she said.
"It was getting the right time to get that sorted for July."
Her replacement in the 12-strong squad is uncapped 20-year-old Southern Steel defender Phoenix Karaka, who was originally named as a training partner.
Mid-courter Laura Langman, who is in line to earn her 100th cap on the tour, will take over as the captain on court.
Kopua admits it's frustrating to be on the sidelines, but she will still look to take a leadership role without actually playing.
She said the trip would also be useful preparation for the Commonwealth Games.
They will play a Test against Jamaica on January 18 and one against England three days later, and finish with a match against England A on January 22.
Silver Ferns squad: Laura Langman (on-court captain), Jodi Brown, Leana de Bruin, Shannon Francois, Katrina Grant, Joline Henry, Phoenix Karaka, Cathrine Latu, Camilla Lees, Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickit, Maria Tutaia, Irene van Dyk.
Training Partners: Casey Kopua, Bailey Mes, Malia Paseka, Courtney Tairi.
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