Just when we thought things couldn’t get worse for Nika Muhl, it turns out that her situation is even more complicated. After suffering a torn ACL in her very first game in the Turkish league, updates report there is more to the injury. This unfortunate news came right after her MRI results at Acıbadem Maslak Hospital and her team Besiktas confirmed that she is in for a longer recovery than initially feared.

The Croatian basketball player’s overseas team confirmed her medical reports. They wrote on Twitter (X), “Nika Mühl, who suffered a rotational injury in her left knee during the Super Cup Women’s final against Fenerbahçe Opet, was diagnosed with anterior cruciate and meniscus injuries at Acıbadem Maslak Hospital.” The team added that her treatment had already begun. 

The time of the injury can be traced back to Thursday’s game between Besiktas JK and Fenerbahce Opet. A day before, the unfortunate launch of firecrackers by fans had led to the postponement as the layers were rushed off. Coming back to a better atmosphere, the Seattle Storm star was having an incredible game with 11 points, 9 assists, 3 rebounds, and 2 steals.

In the third quarter, with Besiktas trailing 51-46 and just three minutes left in the third quarter, Muhl fell awkwardly and suffered a non-contact injury. She was seen clutching her knee and screaming in pain, “Oh my God, don’t touch it!” Wasting no time, she was stretchered off and came back later with her knee heavily wrapped. However, she was in no condition to continue.

Although Fenerbahce eventually won the game 79-63, the victory was bittersweet, with their point guard’s injury. Even Gabby Williams, her teammate from the Seattle Storm and a key player for Fenerbahce, was by Muhl’s side throughout. Is this injury going to affect her future in the sport?

What does this mean for Muhl’s future?

Moving forward, it’s not looking easy for the 23-year-old. This injury could potentially affect her career both in Europe and in the WNBA. After all, she was just starting to gain momentum, being a second-round pick for the Storm. Before heading overseas, Mühl had limited action in her rookie WNBA season with the Seattle Storm, but she still made her mark. 

She played in a handful of games, averaging 3.4 assists and 2.7 points per game. But this ACL and meniscus injury is definitely going to put her career on hold. With an ACL tear, it’s about 6-12 months of recovery, and then there’s meniscus, too. But this wasn’t the WNBA star’s first injury. She has had a few before at UConn, including ankle issues that kept her out of several games. 

But each time, she came back stronger. Still, this time it’s different—it’s a longer, and tougher. But if anyone can do it, it’s Mühl. She has shown patience and she has a great support system backing her up. And it looks like she is already handling it like a champ as she posted a heartfelt message on Instagram, sharing her optimism.

“This is just another opportunity for me to compete, this time against myself,” she said. Also, Paige Bueckers, her UConn buddy, sent her support, calling her fellow athlete her “strong twin” and hyped her up, saying, “There’s nothing you can’t handle.” Sure, it’s going to be a hard time, but we hope the Besiktas new star athlete rises again soon!