Caitlin Clark’s injury situation took another turn on August 7 after she suffered a bone bruise on her right ankle during a workout in Phoenix, delaying her anticipated return to the Indiana Fever lineup. This new setback adds complexity to the ongoing efforts to rehabilitate the superstar guard, whose recovery from a right groin injury had fans hopeful for her comeback this season.
Despite ongoing uncertainties about Clark’s timeline, WNBA analyst Robin Lundberg offered a cautiously optimistic take on the situation. Lundberg suggested that the initial groin injury might be fully healed and that the current hurdle is solely related to the ankle injury. This update comes as the Fever prepare for the final stretch of the regular season, where they hold a 19-16 record and sit sixth in the standings, contending closely for a playoff spot.
Factors Affecting Clark’s Recovery Timeline
The Indiana Fever have prioritized giving Clark ample time to properly recover from her multiple injuries this season, which began with a left quadriceps issue, followed by a left groin injury, and then the current right groin and ankle problems. Teammate Sophie Cunningham recently shared insight into why Clark’s return has been delayed beyond what fans might expect.
Speaking on her podcast Show Me Something, Cunningham explained that the increasingly competitive level of play in the WNBA necessitates Clark to be at her absolute peak before resuming game action.
“Yeah, she’s close, but like you also have to remember, like she could be playing if it wasn’t in the WNBA by now. At this level, with how deep and like how good people are nowadays in our league, which is the best it’s ever been,”
Cunningham said.
“You can’t just be good. You have to be on top of your game. And so, just trying to get her back in game shape, I think, is what they’re trying to do.”
Challenging Defensive Matchups Shape the Urgency of Clark’s Return
Clark faces some of the toughest defensive schemes against perimeter players in the WNBA due to her elite scoring and playmaking skills, which often result in her being heavily guarded with double or triple teams. This level of defensive pressure underscores the importance of her team waiting until she is fully ready to rejoin competition, as any weakness could be exploited immediately.
With nine games remaining this season, the Fever are locked in a close playoff race against teams like the LA Sparks, Golden State Valkyries, and Seattle Storm. The Valkyries and Storm currently hold the seventh and eighth spots respectively, just behind the Fever, who are fighting to secure one of the final postseason places before the regular season ends on September 10.
Outlook for Caitlin Clark’s Return and Impact
While the latest ankle injury setback is a disappointment, the possibility that Clark’s groin injury has fully healed presents a hopeful aspect for the Fever moving forward. The team’s cautious approach reflects the high stakes of the playoff race and the demanding nature of WNBA competition, where even a slight dip in performance can affect outcomes significantly. Fans and analysts alike will continue monitoring Clark’s recovery progress closely as Indiana aims to finish strong in a crowded playoff hunt.
“Yeah, she’s close, but like you also have to remember, like she could be playing if it wasn’t in the WNBA by now. At this level, with how deep and like how good people are nowadays in our league, which is the best it’s ever been.” —Sophie Cunningham, WNBA Player
“You can’t just be good. You have to be on top of your game. And so, just trying to get her back in game shape, I think, is what they’re trying to do.” —Sophie Cunningham, WNBA Player