Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark has been temporarily benched due to an ankle injury, according to people familiar with the matter.
The 22-year-old athlete encountered this misfortune during a practice session recently, and preliminary assessments indicate that the injury is severe enough to prevent her from participating in upcoming games for several weeks.
Having earned two All-American honors and the 2022 NCAA championship title, Clark has asserted her prowess in the WNBA, where she boasts an average of 18.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game this season.
This injury represents a significant challenge for the Fever, who have been struggling to perform consistently and are at risk of missing the postseason for the fifth consecutive year.
There’s no indication that Clark’s current ankle issue is connected to any past problems she’s experienced with her ankle. She is slated for more assessments and treatment soon.
The team is likely to issue an official update on Clark’s recovery timeline shortly. Until then, her return date to the court remains uncertain.
With Clark sidelined, the Fever will have to depend heavily on other team members to step up and compensate for the loss of her dynamic presence on the court.
