National Basketball Association

Wolves say Rubio's injury 'far worse' than high ankle sprain

Published Jan. 21, 2015 8:07 p.m. ET

foxsports

MINNEAPOLIS -- The Minnesota Timberwolves say point guard Ricky Rubio's right ankle injury was ''far worse'' than a high ankle sprain.

While Rubio is going to need more time to return, Nikola Pekovic is back after a 31-game absence because of an injured right ankle. He was active Wednesday night against Dallas for the first time since Nov. 15.

Rubio has not played since he was injured on Nov. 7. On Friday he will have missed 11 weeks, which is on the longer end of recuperations for a high ankle sprain.

But coach Flip Saunders says Rubio also suffered damage to muscles and ligaments that run from the ankle to his toes, which has prolonged the process. Saunders says Rubio saw two specialists recently that advised them a return too soon could bring on a stress fracture in his foot or leg.