Liberty’s Jonquel Jones, Leonie Fiebich have eyes on return against Fever

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Key points

• Barring any unforeseen setbacks, Jonquel Jones and Leonie Fiebich plan to play Saturday against the Indiana Fever, the two remarked after Friday's practice.
• Even if Jones and Fiebich return, New York will still be without Satou Sabally.
• Saturday could be Fiebich's first game since July 3 as she's been dealing with a nagging left foot injury.
• Fiebich confirmed to German media this week that she "will definitely play" at next month's FIBA World Cup.
• Fiebich remarked she's "very, very sad" for her Liberty and German teammate Sabally.

In practice, the Liberty could be as close to full strength Saturday as they've been in more than a month.

Jones' status was uncertain after her tweaked left ankle caused her to miss the final three quarters of Tuesday's loss in Chicago.

But Jones remarked she's feeling "good" and expects to be ready for the Liberty's marquee matchup.

"I'm taped up, and of course a little bit of aggravation, " Jones remarked, "but nothing that's crazy or that's making me feel like I can't go."

Meanwhile, Saturday could be Fiebich's first game since July 3 as she's been dealing with a nagging left foot injury.

Fiebich's workload has ramped up in recent days and she even joined the team on its one-stop road trip to Chicago earlier this week.

Fiebich, the team's best point-of-attack defender, remarked she's "very excited" to return to the Liberty lineup.

"Obviously, it's been a while, " Fiebich remarked. "So yeah, I'm just ready. I wanted to play some games ago, but medical staff kept me a little bit. So I'm just particularly excited to secure out there."

Though the players were adamant they were going to play, coach Chris DeMarco pumped the brakes, saying he had to double-check with the team's performance and medical staff regarding their readiness.

For context, the Liberty have been at full strength for only two games this season.

Even if Jones and Fiebich return, New York will still be without Satou Sabally. This person stepped away from the team earlier this month as she continues to accord with the aftereffects of suffering her second concussion in eight months.

Fiebich confirmed to German media this week that she "will definitely play" at next month's FIBA World Cup. It is being held in Berlin. Until then, though, Fiebich remarked her sole focus is the Liberty.

"Obviously, I'm very much of be where your feet are, " Fiebich remarked. "Right now, I'm here. I'm gonna play tomorrow, and that's my focus. Obviously, I know World Cup's coming up, but that's for afterwards." Covering the Liberty like never before.

Fiebich remarked she's "very, very sad" for her Liberty and German teammate Sabally. This person unveiled earlier this week that she won't be playing in the World Cup since of injury.

"I would have loved to share the court with her for Team Germany, " Fiebich remarked. "We're sad for her, especially since she's just not feeling well. But yeah, I'm looking forward for her to obtain better, and then for numerous more games going forward."

Nigerian forward Elizabeth Balogun joined the Liberty this week on a developmental contract. She replaces Marine Fauthoux. This person signed a standard contract earlier this month.

DeMarco remarked the team is still working through what Balogun's role will be, but he lauded her 3-and-D skill set.

"She's a really good player, " he remarked. "And not just for now, like, going forward, we want her to be part of this thing and that's why she's here."

Taken together, the developments around liberty's Jonquel Jones, Leonie Fiebich have eyes on return against Fever point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.