The Phoenix Mercury enters the season with a whole new look since 2012. No Diana Taurasi or Brittney Griner gracing the courts anymore. It will be Kahleah Cooper– with her 9 years of experience and new leadership mindset heading the team. “I’m trying to do it my own way,” she says. But just as she looked ready, a hiccup seemed to have come calling.

Supposed to lead the attacking position with Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally for the pre-season against the Los Angeles Aces, Kahleah’s latest stint has caused a stir within the team. What is it about? 

What is Kahleah Cooper’s injury status?

 Breaking the news on X (former Twitter), USA Today journalist Meghan Hall had words of caution for the Mercury. Talking about Cooper, she wrote, “Something to keep an eye on: Kahleah Copper is questionable for the Mercury’s game against the Aces tomorrow with a back injury.”

While the details on the injury haven’t been listed, Cooper has previously struggled with a back injury. In September last year, she missed several games after being ruled out due to back discomfort. Nate Tibbet & Co. haven’t revealed much about it now, but he says all hope is not lost for the preseason opener.

“Yeah they are gonna warm up and see how they feel. I anticipate that we will see both of them. That’s the hope that something crazy happens in the warm up tonight. My guess is that we will probably see them tonight,” the head coach said, speaking about Cooper and Monique Akoa Makani.

Ahead of starting the 10th year with the WNBA, the team will be heavily banking on the shooting guard. With 21.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists during her first season with the Mercury, she is a crucial presence if they look to start on a winning note. However, whether she will actually opt out or play is still unclear.

But this situation is not new for the forward. Despite the questionable situation regarding Cooper’s appearance, let us understand how her past injuries affected Cooper’s gameplay.

When Cooper suffered a similar injury

Cooper had another back injury right before the showdown against the Connecticut Sun in September last year. Citing her injury, head coach Nate Tibbet had assured, “Yeah, I would say in the last 24 to 48 hours, you know. I — we — don’t think it’s anything serious.” Unfortunately, Cooper’s health worsened, and she had to sit out the entire season.

Meanwhile, coach Tibbet replaced her with Celeste Taylor in 2024. While he assured Cooper of being in the team, the HC said that Taylor could help them while the star recuperated. Tibbet also emphasised that they were saving Cooper for the crucial matches. “We just – obviously, there’s bigger games ahead – we want to be a smart player first approach, and yeah, we just think this is the best move for her in our organisation,” the HC quoted.

Hopefully, things don’t escalate the same way for this season. The upcoming pre-season matchup is crucial for the Olympic gold medalist and the Phoenix Mercury. These scores will determine where the team stands.