Disaster struck for Gordon Hayward on his league debut for the Boston Celtics in their season opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers last year, as he injured his left ankle when he landed awkwardly on it during the game, and it has sidelined him for most of the season so far.

There was a hope that the small forward would be able to travel with the team next month, and then eventually play for the Eastern Conference side once the playoffs arrive. However, recent comments by Celtics head coach Brad Stevens have indicated that this might no longer be the case.

According to Chris Mannix of Yahoo Sports, before the Celtics took on the New York Knicks on Saturday, Stevens addressed the media and said that Hayward would not be returning for the franchise this season.

Hayward has been out since the opening game of the season against the Cavaliers. Less than six minutes into the game, he suffered a fractured tibia and dislocated ankle in his left leg after he landed awkwardly on the hardwood after going up for alley-oop from Kyrie Irving.

The Celtics have still managed to compete in the Eastern Conference through Hayward's injury thanks to the performances of Irving, Marcus Smart, Al Horford, Jaylen Brown, and Jayson Tatum throughout the season. Both Brown and Tatum have excelled in accepting bigger roles in the team despite both being very young still.

Boston managed to defeat the Knicks 121-112 yesterday at Madison Square Garden in New York, keeping themselves close to the Toronto Raptors at the top of the Eastern Conference in the process.

Irving almost had a triple-double on the night, as he scored 31 points with nine rebounds, eight assists, two steals, and he was 11-of-22 from the field. His performance, alongside the rest of the Celtics, means the team is only half a game behind the Raptors at the top.

Boston would love to have Hayward back in their lineup, even if they have to wait for the playoffs for that to happen. However, if Stevens is telling the truth, the small forward won't be available for selection even when the postseason comes around later this year.