World Champion, Olympic and Commonwealth Games medallist Maddison Keeney heads a strong line-up for this week’s diving selection trials for next year’s Games on the Gold Coast.

Australia’s most experienced diver, Melissa Wu, has been forced to withdraw from the Gold Coast trials because of a back injury, but is still a chance to be nominated by Diving Australia for selection for her fourth Commonwealth Games.

Keeney, who broke through to win gold in the 1-metre competition at this year’s World Championships, will also compete in the 3-metre and the 3-metre synchro trials this weekend, teaming up with her Olympic bronze medal partner, Anabelle Smith, in the latter.

Keeney won silver and bronze at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

2014 gold medallists Esther Qin and Domonic Bedggood will also be looking to press their claims for a second Commonwealth Games this weekend.

Qin won gold in the 3-metre springboard in Glasgow, while Bedggood teamed up with Matthew Mitcham to win the men’s platform synchro final.

Bedggood, competing in his home pool this weekend, will contest the 3-metres, the 3-metre synchro, the 10-metres and the 10-metres synchro in a packed program.

Two-time Olympian, James Connor, will contest the 1-metre, 3-metre and the 3-metre sycnro.

Wu, who made her Commonwealth Games debut as a 14-year-old in Melbourne in 2006, succumbed last week to a back injury, however Diving Australia is leaving the door open to still nominate the Olympic, World Championships and Commonwealth Games medallist to the 2018 team.

“Diving Australia is aware of Melissa Wu’s injury issues and will work with her and her NSWIS support team to assist wherever possible in rehabilitation and recovery,” Diving Australia CEO, David Bell, said.

“We certainly wish her every success for a speedy and full recovery.

“While she will not be competing at the CG Trials, Melissa has lodged a special consideration request and following the conclusion of the CG Trials, the DA Selection Committee will consider all aspects of the selection process for the Commonwealth Games, prior to making its nomination to the CGA.

“This will include considering any special consideration requests.”

The selection trials begin at the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre, the venue for next year’s diving competition, on Thursday, and run through until Sunday.

Following the trials Diving Australia will submit a list of athletes to Commonwealth Games Australia for possible selection to the 2018 Games.