Five Opals whose injuries could impact Australia's Olympic hopes this year

Sandy Brondello, and the Opals at large, are currently left with uncertainty.

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Wallace, Madgen, Talbot, Kunek, Jackson.

It’s an Opals lineup that could, conceivably, close out an Olympic game of consequence in crunch time. It’s also a sobering reminder of the names still in doubt for this month’s trip to Brazil for the Olympic Qualifiers, and by extension, the upcoming Olympics. Just how quickly they rest, rehab, and recover will have a huge bearing on Australia’s medal hopes.

1. Steph Talbot

It starts with Steph Talbot. Of the five players mentioned, not only does her availability hold the greatest significance for the Opals, but her recovery is also the most straightforward. A little over ten months since tearing her ACL, Talbot’s rehab has been completely by the book. There have been no hiccups, setbacks, or issues, and by all reports, her comeback game could come as early as this month for the Adelaide Lightning, as she works towards a third Olympic Games.

Image credit: FIBA