Foster Loyer has missed out on Michigan State’s stark turnaround with the junior point guard continuing to deal with a shoulder injury.

Loyer initially suffered the shoulder injury in a win over Nebraska on February 6. He tried to play through the initial setback but eventually was forced to the bench after playing briefly in a Feb. 16 loss to Purdue. Since then, Loyer has missed the last three games.

The good news is the Spartans have rattled off three much-needed wins, including consecutive upsets of Illinois and Ohio State this week. On Friday, head coach Tom Izzo discussed the injury and updated the current situation.

According to Chris Solari with the Detroit Free Press, Izzo said season-ending shoulder surgery is a possibility as they continue consulting with Michigan State’s medical team:

“There will be some decisions made on whether he does need surgery. And if he does, would it be sooner rather than later?” Izzo said. “So right now, we’re in the consulting stage with doctors and specialists. If he could play, he’d play. And when he says he can’t play – and that started a couple of games before it was bad – I know that it’s a problem.”

While Izzo hasn’t ruled out Loyer returning to action and playing out the season before surgery, he did indicate that the latest MRI of Loyer’s shoulder has put his status in jeopardy:

“What the MRI showed, it might be hard to come back,” Izzo said. “So if he does, it would be a bonus for us…. But the way it happened, and what happened, where it actually popped out I guess, things are not looking good that he will be able to. So believe it or not, that’ll hurt us a little bit. There’s times that we really need him.”

Loyer has started seven games this season and is averaging 4.2 points and 2.3 assists this season for the Spartans. While Michigan State is clicking and trying to put together a late-season rally, the Spartans would still love to have Loyer back for his leadership, shooting ability, and depth for the B1G Tournament.

The Spartans will try to make it four straight wins Sunday against Maryland. Tipoff is set for 2 pm EST on CBS.