Central Pulse will be without star Silver Ferns midcourter Maddy Gordon for "several weeks", due to an ankle injury.
Last year's ANZ Premiership Player of the Year sustained the injury during the Pulse's round-three clash with Southern Steel.
The club says scans have confirmed a "significant" ligament sprain, which will sideline Gordon for up to 12 weeks, but they are holding out hope she'll return before the end of their campaign.
"Maddy has been in superb form this season and is a key team member, on and off court," Pulse coach Anna Andrews-Tasola said.
"We are all extremely disappointed for Maddy and remain hopeful we will see her on court again this season."
The Pulse are now trying to acquire a replacement player, but will re-evaluate Gordon's progress, before confirming any long-term injury replacement.
Former Pulse stalwart Claire Kersten came out of retirement to fill in for the team in their latest outing against the Mystics.
Currently sitting atop the competition standings, the Pulse host the Tactix in their next match on Sunday.
