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Caitlin Clark’s season just went from bad to worse.
The Indiana Fever’s superstar guard, who is working her way back from a groin injury and hasn’t played since July 15, is now dealing with what is being labeled as a mild ankle injury that she suffered during an individual workout during her rehab.
With no timetable clear for Clark’s return, it is unclear if the ankle injury will affect when she can return to the court.
Clark’s injury issues are a part of a larger problem in Indiana, as the team also recently lost Sophie Cunningham (MCL tear), Sydney Colson (ACL tear) and Aari McDonald (broken foot) for the year.
While the Fever are not in danger of missing the postseason, sitting in sixth place in the league, they are no longer among the favorites to win the WNBA Finals as they were to begin the season.
Head coach Stephanie White told reporters that Clark’s return to individual workouts doesn’t necessarily mean she’s close to returning.
“Until (Clark) can get into practice and until you guys see her in practice, we’re really status quo,” White said.
“You never wanna see injuries happen, first and foremost,” White added, referring to Cunningham. “You hate it when it’s anyone, let alone the third season-ending injury that we’ve seen this year. But like I told our team … yes, we’ve been dealt a crappy hand, but we have to play it.”
Clark had not missed a college or professional game before this season, but has played in just 13 of 35 games this year after previously being sidelined with a quad injury and a prior left groin injury.
The Fever are 8-5 with Clark, while holding steady at 11-11 with her off the floor.
Clark is hoping to return by the time the playoffs roll around on Sept. 14.
