Caitlin Clark’s Injury Update: When Will the Fever Star Return to WNBA Action?

By Jocelyn Alano June 11, 2025 10:08

Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark continues to be sidelined with a left quadriceps strain sustained on May 24 during a narrow 90-88 loss to the New York Liberty. Now entering her fifth consecutive missed game, Clark’s absence has been felt keenly by the Fever, who currently hold a 4-4 record in the 2025 WNBA season. While she has returned to limited practice, the team is taking a cautious approach to her reintegration, prioritizing her long-term health over a rushed comeback.

Injury Background and Current Status

Clark suffered the left quad strain early in the Liberty game, though she couldn’t pinpoint the exact moment of injury. After experiencing discomfort post-game, an MRI confirmed the strain, leading to an initial estimated recovery time of at least two weeks. Since then, Clark has missed four games, including the recent 58-77 defeat to the Atlanta Dream on June 10.

Fever head coach Stephanie White provided the latest update after Monday’s practice, confirming Clark would not play against the Dream and is expected to miss her fifth straight game. “I don’t know if ‘cleared’ is the right word,” White said. “We’re ready to start ramping back up … It’s completely different when you’re just doing one-on-one workouts versus being out there in five-on-five, getting up and down the floor and moving laterally. She’s been allowed to do some practicing, not everything. We’re going to be smart and cautious and play the long game.”

Clark herself has emphasized the unpredictable nature of the injury. “It’s the kind of injury where you can’t predict,” she said last week. “I might feel different each morning. We’ll have to wait and see.” She also stressed she would not rush back unless fully ready, stating, “I wouldn’t hurry back if it’s not worthwhile.”

Impact on the Fever

Despite Clark’s absence, the Fever have managed a 2-2 record in the four games she’s missed, including a dominant 79-52 victory over the Chicago Sky. However, Coach White acknowledged the team’s struggles without Clark’s playmaking and scoring ability. “Their physicality on the defensive end really affected us,” White said after the loss to Atlanta. “It took us out of what we wanted to do and forced us to rush offensively.”

Clark’s early-season numbers highlight her importance to the Fever’s success. In just four games, she averaged 19.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 9.3 assists per game, leading the league in assists and positioning herself as a frontrunner for the MVP award.

Expected Timeline for Return

The earliest realistic return date for Clark is the Fever’s June 14 home game against the New York Liberty the same team she was injured against. The Fever’s medical and coaching staff are prioritizing a gradual return to full basketball activities, carefully monitoring her progress through selective practice drills.

White’s cautious approach reflects an understanding that returning too soon could risk re-injury or prolonged absence. “It’s one thing to engage in shooting drills, but it’s quite another to be on the floor, executing movement patterns, rhythm, and timing,” White explained.

Looking Ahead

As the Fever prepare for upcoming games, the team and fans alike are eager to see Clark back on the court. Her dynamic playmaking and leadership are vital to Indiana’s aspirations in a competitive Eastern Conference. While her return remains uncertain, the emphasis on a measured recovery bodes well for her long-term health and effectiveness.

In the meantime, the Fever continue to build momentum, with teammates stepping up in Clark’s absence. But when she does return, Caitlin Clark’s impact will be felt immediately, as she remains one of the WNBA’s brightest stars.