Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White admits it is uncertain whether Caitlin Clark will return before the end of the regular season, but she is optimistic the All-Star guard will make it back in time for the playoffs.

Clark has been absent from the Fever’s past 12 games, leaving a huge void in the lineup. The 23-year-old has been ruled out with a groin strain since the July 16 win over the Connecticut Sun.

The Fever have gone 5-7 in Clark’s absence, dropping the team to 18-16 with 10 games remaining in the regular season. White’s update on Clark’s health came just hours after the superstar’s boyfriend announced his grandmother had died in a tragic accident

The Fever are back in action on Sunday evening against the lowly Sun (6-26), and White addressed reporters in the morning ahead of the game.

“That’s the hope,” White responded when asked if Clark would be back before the conclusion of the regular season. “That’s the hope, is that she’ll be back.”

White offered a more comprehensive update on Clark’s status in the press conference, insisting the organization will handle its star talent with caution

She said: “It doesn’t really shift anything with Caitlin.

“It continues to be the most important thing that she’s 100 percent and that she’s ready to come back. The timing, it’s never ideal, but her long-term health and wellness is the most important thing.”

Clark has spent 12 games on the sidelines

Clark has had more than her fair share of injuries since she entered the WNBA as the No. 1 overall pick last year, and White believes the reigning Rookie of the Year is learning to be patient in her recoveries.

“I think just the experience throughout the year, trying to come back and come back quickly has also taught her that she needs to make sure that she’s 100 per cent,” White said.

“And, yes, every competitor wants to play. But at the same time, doing it the right way and making sure after we’ve had a couple setbacks, that we’re prioritizing her long-term health and wellness is the most important thing.”

The Fever remains in possession of a playoff berth as it stands.

The team is tracking to enter the postseason as the No. 7 seed, but they cannot afford a sloppy end to the regular season.