BEIJING, May 25 (Xinhua) -- China's star spiker Wu Mengjie will miss the 2026 Women's Volleyball Nations League with a knee injury, head coach Zhao Yong announced on Monday.

"Wu sustained a knee injury during training. After consulting with medical experts, she will undergo surgery soon," Zhao said. "To ensure adequate recovery time, she will not compete in the VNL."

Wu was China's leading attacker in last year's VNL, averaging 18.92 points per match.

Fellow Chinese hitter Li Yingying is currently in recovery, while opposite Ji Yuxiao has left the training camp due to injury.

"Injury issues are currently the biggest challenge for the team," Zhao noted.

Better news for China comes with the return of veterans including Gong Xiangyu, Wang Yuanyuan, Diao Linyu and Wang Mengjie.

"They have a lot of experience, they work very hard and set a good example for the younger players. With their support, our team combination has improved," Zhao added.

China will face the Czech Republic, Thailand, Serbia and Poland during the Nanjing leg of the VNL, which takes place from June 3 to 7.

"For the opening phase of this year's VNL, our main goal is to develop younger players. We aim to give promising athletes more opportunities to sharpen their skills and mental strength through competition. Veteran players will be gradually integrated into the rotation," Zhao said. ■