WNBA star facing race against time to be fit for Olympics after suffering injury just three weeks out from Paris Games

Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier limped out of Thursday's loss to the Connecticut Sun with a foot injury - sparking fears over her chances of making it to the Olympic Games.

Collier, who was included on Team USA's 12-player roster for this summer's Olympics in Paris, is enjoying a breathtaking season in Minnesota after scoring in double figures for 29 consecutive games.

That streak came to an end on Thursday night, with the 27-year-old leaving the Lynx's 78-73 defeat to the Sun with nine points after injuring her foot in the third quarter.

She did not return after sustaining the problem, coming as a huge concern to Minnesota and US women's national team coach Cheryl Reeve.

In her postgame press conference Reeve was unable to provide an update on both Collier and reserve guard Olivia Epoupa, who also suffered a thigh injury in Thursday's loss to Connecticut.

Collier previously represented USA at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo after being crowned WNBA Rookie of the Year in 2019.

The No. 6 draft pick from UConn is now in her fifth full season in the WNBA, averaging 20 points, 10.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists so far this year. 

It remains to be seen whether she returns to fitness in time for the start of the Olympics, which gets underway in Paris on July 26.

The Lynx have five games remaining before a break for the WNBA All-Star game, where Collier is scheduled to play for Team USA against Team WNBA on July 20.

Rookie sensation Caitlin Clark will play a part in that game after being selected for Team WNBA, but there was no place for her on the US Olympic roster.

Clark's arch-rival and fellow rookie Angel Reese will also be involved in the All-Star game after also being selected for Team WNBA.