Indiana Fever approaches Caitlin Clark’s recovery with a week-by-week strategy Stephanie White reveals

The Indiana Fever are implementing a measured week-by-week strategy for Caitlin Clark’s recovery from a right groin injury and a left ankle sprain. Coach Stephanie White emphasized the importance of a gradual return to full strength, as documented in a recent episode of the Fever Insider Podcast.

Current Recovery Status of Caitlin Clark

As of now, Clark is not participating in full 5-on-5 practices. However, she is engaging in 2-on-2 and 3-on-3 drills. White mentioned, “We’re not jumping into anything that’s too much.” The focus is on allowing Clark to build endurance while preventing any risk of setbacks.

Previous Injuries and Performance

In her 2025 season, Clark was limited to just 13 games due to several injuries, including a left quad strain and multiple groin injuries. During these appearances, she averaged:

• 16.5 points
• 8.8 assists
• 5.0 rebounds

Her last game occurred on July 15, when she strained her right groin during a win against the Connecticut Sun. This injury ultimately sidelined her from participating in the All-Star Game, held in her hometown of Indianapolis, where she was set to serve as a captain.

Future Outlook for Caitlin Clark

Following her right groin injury, Clark faced a significant setback with a left ankle sprain on August 7. Describing it as one of the worst sprains she had experienced, Clark was unable to adequately test her recovery. This series of injuries led to her being ruled out for the remainder of the season with three games left.

Rehabilitation and Expected Return

The Fever have high hopes for Clark’s recovery, aiming for her return at full strength by the start of the 2026 season. Additionally, Clark is targeting participation in the USA Basketball Women’s National Team for the World Cup qualifiers from March 11-17 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Training Focus

This offseason, Clark plans to forgo participation in both Unrivaled, a 3×3 league in Miami, and Athletes Unlimited, a 5×5 league in Nashville. Instead, she will concentrate on core fundamentals of her training. White noted the importance of various skills during rehab, stating, “Now, instead of working on one to two things at a time, now it’s three to four things at a time.”

The current training regimen includes crucial aspects such as:

• Rhythm and timing
• Balance
• Decision-making in live-action
• Change of direction and explosiveness

This comprehensive approach is designed to ensure that Clark returns not only healthy but also confident as she prepares for future competitions. The Fever organization continues to remain optimistic for Clark’s full recovery and her return to the court in the upcoming season.