Cullen and Danson miss final Olympic tune-up as they continue injury rehabilitations

Posted: Monday 4th June 2012 | 12:14

CRISTA Cullen and Alex Danson will miss this week's Investec London Cup as they continue their comeback from injury ahead of next month's Olympics.

CHOICES: Danny Kerry is shuffling his pack ahead of the final tournament before the London 2012 Olympics, the Investec London Cup (Ady Kerry)

Penalty corner specialist Cullen and star striker Danson were both crocked during last month's Olympic test event but were still named in Danny Kerry's 16-strong London 2012 squad. And Sarah Thomas will also be absent after injuring her ankle during training.

That means both Olympic squad reserves, Abi Walker and Natalie Seymour, will be in action.

And with squads of 18 allowed in the six-team tournament, that also features Netherlands, Australia, South Africa, Ireland and Germany, Rebecca Herbert, Kerry Williams and Susie Gilbert are also included.

“Beckie, Kerry and Susie will replace Alex, Sarah and Crista who are making good progress in their rehab in time for the Olympic Games. The three replacements understand our play well and bring good energy and pace to the team," said Kerry, whose team face pool matches against Netherlands and Germany in Chiswick.

“We will use the Investec London Cup to get good quality match practice in a home environment. Our pool opponents, South Africa and Germany will be tough opponents and their players will be looking to nail down a place in their respective Olympic squads.

"We will continue to refine our play whilst holding back set-pieces and specific tactics that we will use during the 2012 Games.

“We’re thoroughly looking forward to playing in Chiswick in front of a passionate home crowd. If they can bring the support they gave the team at last month’s test event to the Investec London Cup it will be fantastic.”

Elsewhere, British men's coach Jason Lee insisted there were plenty of positives from his team's campaign in the Sultan Azlan Shan Cup in Malaysia, despite a 3-1 defeat to India in

"There are plenty of positives to take out of this week," Lee said.

"We need to be sharper and more creative around the opposition circle and that cost us but overall I'm happy with what we have learned during the competition."