Illinois Basketball’s David Mirkovic Gives Injury Update, Details His Summer

Illinois forward David Mirkovic has been sidelined since early August because of a foot injury that required surgery and extensive recovery. Throughout the summer, and even now, despite his injury, the expectation has been that Mirkovic will be the cornerstone of the Illini offensive attack in 2026-27.

But with a gauntlet of a non-conference schedule, Illinois is going to need its star sophomore sooner rather than later. Will the Illini get Mirkovic back come early November? Although he didn’t offer a timeline, Mirkovic offered some insight into his recovery at Big Ten media day on Thursday.

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Illinois forward David Mirkovic provides an injury update

Apr 4, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Keaton Wagler (23) talks with forward David Mirkovic (0) during the second half of a semifinal of the Final Four of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

“Right now, I’m in a really great spot,” said Mirkovic, who was present in Rosemont, Illinois, without a boot on his foot. “Just listening to the doctor, listening to Justin Games, our athletic trainer. Just keep working every day, getting it better. And I would say I’m in a great spot right now with it.”

Illini coach Brad Underwood has provided a handful of updates on Mirkovic since the injury, but this is the first public update from Mirkovic himself. Again, it’s unknown when Mirkovic will return, but it’s clear he’s trending in the right direction.

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With less than a month until the start of the 2026-27 campaign, Mirkovic’s return still seems to be a possibility ahead of the Nov. 2 season opener against Fairleigh Dickinson. Even if that doesn’t happen, the Illini can survive their first few regular-season matchups without Mirkovic. But the climb gets far steeper shortly thereafter.

Texas Tech (Nov. 10) and Duke (Nov. 17) are on the docket early. If Mirkovic is still on the mend for both of those games, a…

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Publish date : 2026-10-10 18:18:00

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