The New York Liberty will play a critical game against the Minnesota Lynx without the significant contributions of Leonie Fiebich, who remains sidelined with a left foot injury. This marks the second consecutive game the Liberty will be without their top perimeter defender.
Fiebich, a 6-foot-4 German player, has been a crucial two-way wing for the team, not only providing strong defense but also supplementary scoring. She is shooting 45.1 percent from the field and 43.3 percent from beyond the arc, averaging 10 points, 2.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.2 steals in her 14 starts this season. In a July 3 win against the Lynx, Fiebich recorded 13 points, four assists, three rebounds, and three steals, with the Liberty outscoring Minnesota by 18 points when she was on the court.
Fiebich first experienced soreness after a practice session and has not played since. Following further examination, including an MRI, the team has not released the results of her tests. Coach Chris DeMarco has referred to her condition as "general soreness."
This latest injury adds to the Liberty's ongoing struggles with player availability. Last season, injuries hampered their title defense, and this season the team has frequently played shorthanded. Satou Sabally has been in concussion protocol for over two weeks after sustaining her second head injury in eight months and did not travel to Minnesota. Additionally, Pauline Astier (left ankle) and Rebecca Allen (nose) are listed as questionable for the game against the Lynx. The team has had to utilize 10 different starting lineups across 22 games due to various injuries and absences.