NATIONAL senior netball team Head Coach Sasher-Gaye Henry says the absence of goal shooter and Captain Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard from the Sunshine Girls’ 12-member squad for the Horizon Series against England is a massive blow to the country.

In a media release on Friday, Netball Jamaica announced that Fowler-Nembhard has been ruled out of participating in both the matches in Manchester, England, on November 16 and 17 and in Jamaica on November 25 and 26, following advice from the medical team.

Fowler-Nembhard has since been replaced by fellow goal shooter Romelda Aiken.

“We are a bit disappointed because it is something that we didn’t see coming. But, we have to stay in high spirits and the games must go on,” Henry said. “We are definitely going to do it for Fowler, for ourselves, and for the nation. The girls believe in themselves and they are all committed to going out there and giving a good account of themselves.

“We have replaced Fowler with Romelda but we are not sure about her readiness. When we meet up with her we will test and see how it goes from there.”

England are ranked second in the world, two places above the Sunshine Girls. Henry says the series will be a tough challenge for the Jamaicans but she is confident the team has prepared very well.

“We are very excited about this series because we have been planning for it for a while, so we just have to keep our heads despite whatever setbacks we may encounter over there,” she said.

“We know that it is going to be a very tough series but we definitely know that we are going to do our best, and we are just hoping for some positive results in this series.”

Netball Jamaica President Tricia Robinson said the association is focused on Fowler-Nembhard’s health and well-being and will provide updates as necessary regarding her condition.

Robinson also expressed gratitude to fans and supporters for their understanding and continued support as the team prepares for what she says promises to be an exciting and competitive series. The Sunshine Girls left the island on Friday evening for the series.