Zion Williamson set for another 4-6 weeks out before next injury assessment

The New Orleans Pelicans say there will be no further news on Zion Williamson's recovery from a foot problem for another four to six months, as the power-forward's injury woes continue.

Williamson still to play for Pelicans in NBA this season

Williamson has been dogged by fitness issues throughout his NBA career and is yet to feature in 2021-22 due to a foot fracture.

The former first overall pick returned to full team activities in late November, only to suffer further setbacks.

Williamson's training programme was reduced last week and now, in an update on Thursday, the Pelicans have detailed the anticipated minimum length of his lay-off.

"Following a consultation and further evaluation with Dr. Richard Ferkel of the Southern California Orthopedic Institute yesterday, Zion Williamson received a biologic injection into the fracture site to stimulate bone healing in his right foot," the team said.

"Williamson will be limited to low impact, partial weight-bearing activities for an extended period.

"Further updates will be given following further imaging which is anticipated to occur in 4-6 weeks."

The Pelicans, who are a miserable 9-21, could therefore play as many as 18 more games before Williamson is even considered again.

Although New Orleans are 40-45 with Williamson over the past three seasons – compared to 30-59 without him – they are 3.5 games back on the play-in round in the West and look a long shot to recover any sort of playoff push from this campaign.