Bailey’s Status Uncertain for Next Game

Ryan Bailey’s injured right foot has become a concern again for the Bruins, just as a lingering problem with inflamed tissue in the arch had subsided to where he was able to play 18 minutes in the last game.

His availability for Saturday’s game against Gonzaga, UCLA’s return from a 10-day break, is uncertain. Bailey said he hopes to practice today, after being sidelined for all or large parts of the three previous workouts, but that he is also considering sitting out against the Bulldogs in hopes that an extended rest will help.

It won’t help completely. Doctors have already told him that the injury will probably stay with him the remainder of the season, that spring and summer will provide the first chance for a lengthy recuperation.

“Missing a game, up until now it wasn’t an option,” said Bailey, a key reserve guard. “But I guess now I’ve got to think about it.”

That’s because at least the schedule is cooperating. The Bruins have not played since Dec. 1 and have another one-week break after facing Gonzaga.

Bailey said the two-month-old problem isn’t as bad as it was during preseason practice, when he was in a walking boot. He played 11, 14 and 18 minutes in the first three games before feeling a pop again during a scrimmage last Friday, and then again Monday when he tried to go again.