Lexi Held injury update: Latest news on Phoenix Mercury guard’s collapsed lung

Phoenix Mercury guard Alexa Held, 25, suffered a scary injury against the New York Liberty on Thursday, June 19, ultimately leaving the game due to a partially collapsed lung.

While the team would go on to Chicago to take on the Sky on June 21, Held had to remain under observation in New York, recovering from her collision with Breanna Stewart.

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Even after she was cleared, she was not in any state to fly. So, how on Earth was Held supposed to get back home, back to Phoenix with her team? Well, as it turns out, when you’re determined enough, nothing can stop you.

Held embarked on a three-day train trip across the United States in order to reunite with her team ahead of their next home game against, coincidentally, the New York Liberty. Obviously, Held will not be playing in the game. In fact, her timeline for return has still yet to be determined. But her presence in Phoenix is an enormous lift for the organization, as evidenced by the number of Mercury staff to welcome her home.

WNBA News: Fever guard Caitlin Clark to miss Sparks game with injury

Lexi Held’s official diagnosis

Held was diagnosed with pneumothorax on her right lung. Recovery times involving pneumothoraxes can vary wildly depending on the severity of the injury.

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A small pneumothorax can heal naturally, but still needs a week or two to fully recover, per the National Library of Medicine. A larger one requires more medical attentiveness, needing multiple days just to reinflate the lung before recovery officially starts. For such injuries, recovery can take 4-6 weeks.

The Mercury noted that Held is already “making good progress in her recovery.”

Mercury making moves in wake of Held’s absence

On Thursday, June 26, the Phoenix Mercury signed guard Kiana Williams. In the wake of Held’s injury as well as Megan McConnell’s tibial plateau fracture, the Mercury were in desperate need of guard help. Reports have also indicated that the Mercury are linked to former Indiana Fever guard/forward DeWanna Bonner, who was released by the Fever earlier this week. Phoenix is reportedly Bonner’s preferred destination.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Lexi Held collapsed lung, latest news on Phoenix Mercury guard injury