The No. 1 Michigan Wolverines and No. 1 Arizona Wildcats are set to face off in the 2026 Final Four, with a spot in Monday’s championship game on the line. In the clash between two of the nation’s top teams, some players will be sidelined due to injuries, and the balance tilts more toward Michigan.
Arizona battled past the No. 2 Purdue Boilermakers, while Michigan reached the Final Four after defeating the Tennessee Volunteers.
What to Know About Michigan and Arizona Injuries Ahead of the Final Four
Michigan has reached the doorstep multiple times, winning its lone championship title in 1989. On the other hand, Arizona has been waiting since 2001 to get this far and erase the heartbreak former head coach Lute Olson’s team suffered after losing to the Duke Blue Devils in the championship round.
However, injury concerns for both teams could prove challenging ahead of the Final Four this year, especially for the Wolverines. L.J. Cason, the backup point guard, sustained a torn ACL in his right knee in a game against the Illinois Fighting Illini on Feb. 27. The injury was season-ending for him, justifying his absence in the March Madness rounds and implying that he won’t be seen in any of the remaining matchups.
On a better note, the Wolverines had clinched the outright Big Ten season title against Illinois that day. Reports also indicate that Cason might be redshirting in the 2026-27 season.
Winters Grady, a guard and good shot-making wing, fractured his foot earlier in his career and never fully recovered. He played through the pain in the summer and has been in and out of practice. He is expected to redshirt this season, presumably filing for a medical hardship waiver.
Another player, Ricky Liburd, is redshirting this season after getting signed as a three-star prospect.
A major update emerged when Elliot Cadeau fell ill due to an allergic reaction to something he ate. He was wheeled out on a gurney and transported in a Huron Valley ambulance.
The incident occurred while the Wolverines were receiving a Final Four sendoff to Indianapolis. He has been receiving medical attention but is expected to rejoin his team in Indianapolis before the Final Four takes off.
Cadeau started 38 games this season and averaged 10.2 points and 5.8 assists.
From Arizona’s side, LeBron James’ son Bryce James is redshirting this year, as decided by head coach Tommy Lloyd to help him mature and preserve four years of eligibility starting in 2026-27.
