Operation and month-long break for Tanja Hüberli

The mishap occurred on Wednesday at the Challenge tournament in Baden, Austria. The 32-year-old from Schwyz twisted her ankle in the first round match with her new partner Leona Kernen. The Swiss duo were clearly in the lead at the time, but had to retire due to injury.

Further examinations in Switzerland have now revealed a torn cartilage, two torn outer ligaments and a partial tear of the inner ligament, according to Swiss Volley. Hüberli will undergo surgery next Wednesday. The aim of the operation is to restore the stability of the ankle joint and enable a return to competition in around three months.

"Our goal is the World Championships in November. I will do everything I can to ensure that Leona and I can take part in these World Championships," Hüberli is quoted as saying in the association's press release. In the coming week, it will be decided how Kernen will train and take part in competitions during her experienced partner's enforced break.