Yaxel Lendeborg injury updates: Latest on Michigan star’s ankle injury, status for title game vs. UConn originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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Michigan couldn’t have started much hotter against Arizona in Saturday’s Final Four matchup, but Wolverines star Yaxel Lendeborg ran into a couple of hiccups along the way.
Two fouls in the first two minutes sent Lendeborg to the bench for an extended stretch, and he was forced to exit the game with an injury once he returned.
Lendeborg limped back to the locker room at Lucas Oil Stadium, concerning Michigan fans as the Wolverines pursued a return to the national championship game for the first time since 2018. However, with the massive game against UConn looming, Lendeborg has received some positive updates.
Here’s what you need to know about Lendeborg’s injury and status for Monday’s national title game.
MORE:NBA scouting report for Yaxel Lendeborg
Will Yaxel Lendeborg play vs. UConn?
Lendeborg said after Michigan’s win on Saturday that he will play against UConn unless he physically cannot walk.
“There’s no way I’m missing the game Monday night no matter what goes on,” he told Tracy Wolfson in a postgame interview.
Lendeborg returned to the game vs. Arizona but appeared hobbled, and there is the risk of his ankle swelling up after the game. Still, Lendeborg seems determined to power through one more game with a national championship on the line.
On Sunday, Dusty May said Lendeborg’s tests came back “clean” and said he expects his star to play, though the final decision will be made by Lendeborg and Michigan’s medical staff. “I’m sure he’ll give it a go,” May told reporters.
Lendeborg himself said he “absolutely” plans on playing against UConn. The Michigan star also was not listed on the injury report Sunday night, clearing the way for him to play Monday night.
As of pregame Monday, the same optimism for Lendeborg remained. CBS Sports’ Tracy Wolfson reported that the Wolverines forward “did everything” at practice in the morning, “will get more treatment when he arrives,” and will go through warm-ups, but Lendeborg is expected to have no limitations vs. UConn. Still, he will be “monitored” throughout the matchup.
Yaxel Lendeborg injury update
Lendeborg landed awkwardly on Motiejus Krivas’ shoe in the Final Four and appeared to turn his ankle, leaving him in significant pain. He would come out of the game and walk back to locker room.
Yaxel Lendeborg is in some discomfort after this drive pic.twitter.com/1wBSI4B33X
— CBS Sports College Basketball 🏀 (@CBSSportsCBB) April 5, 2026
While the TBS broadcast reported Lendeborg would have his ankle taped and likely return, it was soon reported that Michigan’s training staff was also looking at the senior’s knee. Lendeborg’s knee injury is likely an MCL sprain, which Lendeborg confirmed in his postgame interview.
Lendeborg returned to the game for the start of the second half and played for much of the half, but he was clearly playing through pain.
.@tracywolfson reports that Yaxel Lendeborg is dealing with a MCL sprain and an ankle injury
He is giving it a go in the 2nd half pic.twitter.com/IwxO1wlDGL
— CBS Sports College Basketball 🏀 (@CBSSportsCBB) April 5, 2026
The TBS broadcast reported the ankle was more of a concern than the knee, as it’s a reaggravation of an injury suffered during the Big Ten Tournament.
Even after he returned on Saturday night, the tight turnaround could be a concern. However, Lendeborg’s MRI came back clean, so he said plans on playing in the National Championship.
Michigan’s Yaxel Lemdeborg said he “absolutely” plans to play against UConn on Monday. He said that the MRI this morning was on his knee and it came back clean.
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) April 5, 2026
The Wolverines play at 8:50 p.m. ET on Monday night, making for a quick window of less than 48 hours to recover. While Lendeborg will try and play, his effectiveness will be worth watching against UConn.
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