The Australian Opals' hopes of a World Championship medal have been dealt a huge blow, with star Lauren Jackson ruled out through injury.
Jackson was told she needed another eight to 12 weeks of rehabilitation on her knee following surgery in May.
A persistent hip problem had affected the centre's recovery, prompting her to go under the knife for the fourth time this year on Tuesday in Melbourne.
While expected to make a full recovery, Jackson will miss the World Championships - in Turkey from September 27 - and the opening rounds of the Canberra Capitals' 2014-15 WNBL season.
"I've worked so hard on my rehab program and my knee injury has actually progressed well - sadly, just not enough to compete at worlds," Jackson said.
"Put simply, we just ran out of time.
"I'll be back with the great, supportive team at the AIS (Australian Institute of Sport) in just two weeks and preparing to play for the University of Canberra Capitals in November.
"I can't wait to be finally back on court - I'm actually fit and strong so the hard work will not be lost."
Opals coach Brendan Joyce said the 33-year-old had been a cornerstone of the national team for more than 14 years and played an "immeasurable part" in making them a powerhouse on the world stage.
"I truly feel for her right now, I know what it means to her to represent Australia and I've seen how hard she's worked through training and rehab to get herself fighting fit for these world championships in Turkey," Joyce said.
"As a team, we're obviously disappointed not to have her with us for the campaign, but her health is top priority and we're all fully supportive of that.
"Lauren can't be easily replaced and it's not a matter of one person filling the void - everyone will have to share the load - but we've had 15 months of intensive preparation so I feel good about where the team is at."
The Opals finished fifth at the 2010 world championships, but won gold in Brazil four years earlier and bronze in 2002 and 1998.
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