Caitlin Clark, the standout player for the Indiana Fever, is on the path to recovery from a right groin injury and a left ankle sprain. After being limited to only 13 games during the 2025 season due to various injuries, including a left quad strain and bruised ankle, Clark is now focusing on regaining her full strength ahead of the upcoming season.
Fever coach Stephanie White shared insights on Clark’s progress during a recent episode of the Fever Insider Podcast. While Clark is not yet ready for full-court 5-on-5 play, she has been engaging in 2-on-2 and 3-on-3 drills. “We’re taking it on a week-by-week basis, building her back up to 5-on-5 play,” White explained. The structured recovery process emphasizes creating a solid foundation to prevent further setbacks, which is crucial given Clark’s challenging 2025 season that saw her average 16.5 points, 8.8 assists, and 5.0 rebounds.
Clark’s last game was on July 15, when she sustained her right groin injury during a victory over the Connecticut Sun, causing her to miss the All-Star Game in her hometown just days later. Following a lengthy recovery period, she faced another setback with a left ankle sprain in August, described by her as one of the worst sprains she had experienced. Ultimately, this injury sidelined her for the rest of the season.
As the Fever advanced to the WNBA semifinals against the Las Vegas Aces, which extended their season by three weeks, Clark supported her team from the sidelines, sharing in both the highs and lows of the playoff journey. Coach White noted the frustration athletes often feel when dealing with injuries and emphasized the importance of ensuring that Clark returns to the court fully ready.
Looking ahead, the Fever anticipate Clark will be at full strength by the 2026 season, but she herself aims to participate in the USA Basketball Women’s National Team qualifiers scheduled for March 11-17 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Despite this ambitious timeline, Clark has opted not to compete in offseason leagues like Unrivaled or Athletes Unlimited, prioritizing her recovery.
To aid her rehabilitation, White highlighted the necessity of focusing on core skills and improving rhythm, timing, and balance. With a proactive approach and ample time for recovery, Clark is steadily progressing, and both she and the Fever are optimistic about her return to form in the upcoming season, setting the stage for an exciting year ahead.