Södertälje star Amanda Zahui was taken to hospital by ambulance after suffering a suspected Achilles tendon injury during Game 1 of the Swedish women’s basketball final against Luleå on April 20, 2026.
The injury occurred with approximately six minutes remaining in the fourth quarter of the match, which Luleå won 95–57. Zahui was seen hopping off the court on one leg before receiving treatment on the sideline and being transported to the hospital for further evaluation.
According to Södertälje sport chief Ludwig Degernäs, the injury is believed to involve the Achilles tendon, though a definitive diagnosis was pending further medical examination. “Befarad hälseneskada. Vet mer i morgon,” Degernäs stated in a message to SVT Sport, translating to “Suspected Achilles injury. More information tomorrow.”
Degernäs confirmed Zahui was at the emergency room and in pain, noting that medical staff would need time to assess the extent of the damage. The incident marked a dramatic turn in what had been a highly anticipated return for Zahui to Swedish basketball after 14 years abroad.
Zahui, who rejoined Södertälje in February 2026 following a nine-season stint in the WNBA, is widely regarded as one of Sweden’s greatest basketball players. Her comeback had generated significant excitement ahead of the playoff series, which features a best-of-five format with the next game scheduled for April 23, 2026, in Södertälje.
Lagkamraten Louice Halvarsson expressed concern over the situation, telling Radiosporten that the injury “felt like it went all the way to the bone marrow” and emphasized the need to wait for medical clarification before commenting further on its severity.
The loss left Södertälje facing a 1–0 deficit in the series, needing to win three of the next four games to claim the national championship. Luleå, entering the match as the regular-season league champions, demonstrated dominant form in the opening contest, particularly in the second half where they extended their lead substantially.
As of the evening of April 20, 2026, no official timeline for Zahui’s recovery had been released, with both the club and national team awaiting results from diagnostic tests. The Swedish Basketball Federation had not issued any statement regarding her status for upcoming international commitments at the time of reporting.
Fans and analysts alike are now waiting for updates on Zahui’s condition, which could significantly influence the trajectory of the final series and Södertälje’s chances of securing their first SM-guld since her return to the league.
For continued coverage of this developing story and other Swedish basketball playoff updates, readers are encouraged to follow official club communications and trusted sports news outlets.
