Both Michigan and UConn are banged up entering the national championship game on Monday, April 6.

Wolverines star Yaxel Lendeborg, a first-team All-American this season, was limited to 14 minutes in Michigan's Final Four win over Arizona after suffering a knee injury in the first half. He also re-aggravated his ankle, stemming from earlier in the season in the Big Ten Conference Tournament.

Meanwhile, multi-year starting UConn guard Solo Ball's status is also unknown. Ball was seen with a boot on his foot during April 5's walkthrough, and coach Dan Hurley said he was unavailable for practice.

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Both teams could look a bit different when they square off at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, or at least less than 100% healthy for the final game of the season.

Here's a look at our six most important players for the national championship between No. 1 seed Michigan and No. 2 UConn:

Most important players of Michigan vs UConn national championship gameYaxel Lendeborg

In one way or another, Lendeborg's presence will be felt — or it won't.

The 6-foot-9 forward was one of the best players in college basketball this season, averaging 15.1 points with 6.9 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game after transferring from UAB. While Michigan still defeated Arizona 91-73 in the Final Four without Lendeborg only playing 14 minutes, the Wolverines are still — obviously — a much better team with Lendeborg in the fold.

Lendeborg was playing his best basketball heading into the Final Four, with consecutive performances of 25, 23 and 27 points against Saint Louis, Alabama and Tennessee respectively. He might not be as mobile against UConn as in prior NCAA Tournament games but can potentially still impact the game old-head style.

"He played the second half like a 38-year-old at the YMCA, and a really good 38-year-old at the YMCA," Michigan coach Dusty May said April 5. "Whatever version of Yaxel we get it's going to be somebody that helps us play better basketball."

Tarris Reed Jr.

UConn's offense runs through Tarris Reed Jr., a who has an argument as the most impactful player in the NCAA Tournament this season. The 6-foot-11 center is also facing his former team, adding potential fuel to the fire.

The first-year Huskies starter is averaging 14.8 points with 8.8 rebounds per game, although those totals have jumped to 20.8 points with 13 rebounds per contest in March Madness. He outdueled likely national player of the year Cameron Boozer and top-seeded Duke in the Elite Eight, finishing with a ridiculous stat line of 26 points with nine rebounds, three assists, four blocks and two steals on 10-of-16 shooting.

It's hard to imagine UConn having a path to winning without Reed.

Aday Mara

Aday Mara saved his career-best performance for a perfect time against Arizona in the Final Four, scoring a career-high 26 points with nine rebounds, three assists and two blocks on 11-of-16 shooting.

The 7-foot-3 first-year transfer from UCLA will be tasked with stopping Reed, who has been a force to be reckoned with during the NCAA Tournament. Mara vs. Reed will be a strength-vs.-strength matchup for Michigan and UConn.

Solo Ball

Ball has been one of UConn's most-reliable 3-pointer shooters for three seasons, but the veteran starter could potentially miss the national championship due to injury.

The 6-foot-4 junior is a vital part of the Huskies' offense and is attempting 9.4 3-pointers per game in March Madness. Losing Ball would be a huge blow and would put added pressure on true freshman Braylon Mullins and fourth-year starter Alex Karaban, UConn's other top 3-point shooters.

"I'm just listening to the medical staff," Ball said when asked if he'll play Monday night against Michigan. "I've been preparing and doing rehab already. So definitely just preparing the same way as (if) I'm playing."

Alex Karaban

Alex Karaban is the "best babysitter," according to coach Dan Hurley. The fourth-year starter has been with the program for five years after redshirting as a true freshman, and is looking for third national championship as a player.

The NCAA Tournament's all-time wins leader among players is 3-of-18 shooting in UConn's last two wins over Duke and Illinois, and the Huskies will need its leader for their best shot at Michigan.

The 6-foot-8 wing stepped up and made a huge shot in UConn's upset win over Duke in the Elite Eight, although the 3-pointer to pull within two points with under a minute left was overshadowed by Braylon Mullins' heroic game-winning 3-pointer. Mr. UConn will be relied on in his final collegiate game.

Elliot Cadeau

A former five-star recruit, Michigan point guard Elliot Cadeau didn't live up to his potential in two seasons at North Carolina. The junior has been outstanding for the Wolverines in March Madness, though.

The 6-foot-1 guard is averaging an NCAA Tournament-leading 8.6 assists per game, serving as an offensive hub for Michigan's potent attack. He's also averaging 11 points per game and shooting 40.7% from 3-point range, and could be asked for more responsibility if Lendeborg is limited due to injury.

Regardless, the ball will be in his hands a lot in the national championship game.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Michigan vs UConn national championship game most important players

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