The Indiana Fever will be shorthanded again on Saturday when they host the Los Angeles Sparks at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. This is after the team ruled Catilin Clark out for a fifth consecutive game due to a lingering groin injury.

Indiana head coach Stephanie White spoke to reporters after Friday’s practice, and the veteran shot-caller provided a significant update on the newly crowned WNBA All-Star Game captain’s status.

White revealed the one main thing that is holding Clark back from returning from injury.

“We went through semi-live shooting drills,” White said, via Fever reporter Tony East on X. “… (She) still hasn’t gone full speed in a practice or a live defensive group. But she’s been getting some 3-on-3 work on her own.

“I think the biggest thing is she’s stated she’s not a fan of minutes restrictions. If there’s going to be a minutes restriction, maybe we’ll hold her another game.”

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) reacts during a game. Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

According to White, Clark herself does not want to be on a minutes restriction when she returns. This only means that the Fever will very likely hold her back until she’s back at full strength.

White added that at this point, the main concern for Indiana is Clark’s “long-term health,” and that the plan is not to bring her back unless she’s “a hundred percent” healthy.

This update does not sound very optimistic in terms of Clark’s potential return in the immediate future. After Saturday’s game, the Fever will return to action on Wednesday against the Golden State Valkyries, and the reigning Rookie of the Year’s status currently remains up in the air for that one.

The good news for Indiana is that they have been winning even without their best player on the court. This team is in the midst of a three-game winning streak, including their Commissioner’s Cup championship win against the Minnesota Lynx on Tuesday, and the Fever will be looking to keep their foot on the gas against Los Angeles on Saturday.