The Wizards’ murky injury situation is getting more confusing by the day.
Monday at Verizon Center, on a second straight day that coach Eddie Jordan said he wasn’t going to discuss his team’s injuries, guard Gilbert Arenas announced that he is ready to return to practice.
“I’ve been cleared to practice, and play,” said Arenas, who is recovering from knee surgery. “Right now, it’s just getting in shape.”
Arenas has been sidelined since undergoing the surgery in November to repair a partial tear in his left meniscus and a stress fracture to a non-weight bearing bone in his left knee. That surgery was a follow-up to an April operation to repair his torn left meniscus, which ended his 2006-’07 season. Arenas practiced two weeks ago, but was back on the sidelines the next day with soreness and hasn’t practiced since.
“It’s more mental. I’m actually scared,” said Arenas. “I’m scared to go back on the floor right now. I don’t want to get hurt again.”
The Wizards will monitor Arenas’ progress in practice this week, but haven’t set a target date for his return.
“I don’t want another setback,” said Arenas. “Hopefully I’m playing before we go west [March 25-31]. Hopefully, I’m playing when we go west. I really don’t know how long it’s going to take.”
Arenas’ return would be a welcome addition to a team making a playoff push. With four wins in its last five games, Washington (29-30) has strengthened its hold on sixth place in the Eastern Conference. Philadelphia (27-33) leads a pack of pursuers, another subject that Jordan is hesitant to discuss.
“I don’t think the playoffs has anything to do with it right now,” said Jordan. “It’s game by game. The playoff race is a little later, I think.
After games against Orlando (38-23) Wednesday at home and at Toronto (32-26) Friday, the Wizards will play five straight games at home, with only one against a team with a winning record.
