The 2024 Paris Olympics are just around the corner, which means that the WNBA soon will pass for a month-long break. The pro women’s league is sending a multitude of its players to Paris to compete for a gold medal, and that includes 12 women on Team USA.

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However, one of the most decorated Olympians of all time may not be heading to France to represent the red, white and blue: Diana Taurasi.

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The five-time Olympic gold medalist was named to the Team USA roster, but as the July 21 break looms less than two weeks out, injuries are a concern with the guard. Taurasi is dealing with two different ailments that have kept her sidelined for parts of the month of July, and it has thrown her availability for the Olympics into question.

If the Phoenix Mercury star is unable to get healthy enough for Paris, then there is a chance young phenom Caitlin Clark takes her place. The Fever guard, who was a controversial snub from the initial 12-player Team USA roster, would be an injury replacement for Taurasi, getting the chance to play in her first Olympic Games.

Here is more to know about Taurasi and her injuries ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Diana Taurasi injury update

Caitlin Clark's near triple-double wins over WNBA legend Diana Taurasi - Los Angeles Times

Taurasi is currently dealing with back soreness, as well as an injury to her lower left leg. The exact leg injury is not known at this point.

The 42-year-old Phoenix guard initially missed a WNBA game on July 1 against Connecticut due to her back issues, according to the Mercury. Two days later, she played for 30 minutes in a win against Dallas on July 3.

Taurasi missed the next two Mercury games due to what the team listed as “left lower leg.” She did not play on July 7 against Los Angeles, or on July 9 against Dallas.

How long is Diana Taurasi out?

A timeline for Taurasi has not been given. Considering the injury to her leg is not known, it is unclear how long she is expected to miss time.

Phoenix already announced that she will miss the game on Friday, July 12 against Clark’s Indiana squad due to the “lower leg injury.”

Will Diana Taurasi play in 2024 Olympics?

As of now, Taurasi appears to still be heading to Paris as a part of the USA women’s Olympic basketball team.

Taurasi was selected for her sixth Olympics this year as a member of the 12-player team heading to France for Team USA. The veteran already is a five-time gold medalist at the Games. However, with these lingering injuries, it is possible that Taurasi may not play at the 2024 Olympic Games.

Clark undoubtedly will be considered if Taurasi cannot compete. When the roster was first announced in June, The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported that the Fever rookie would be one of the “top” options to replace an injured Olympian.

“Caitlin Clark and Brionna Jones of Connecticut are top of the alternates list for Team USA if there is needed to be a replacement,” Charania said on his “Run it Back” show. “But this is a supremely talented roster.”

If Taurasi is unable to play due to injury, an alternate can replace any current player on the women’s basketball roster until the tipoff of the first game. The first USA match will take place on Monday, July 29 against Japan.