Is Azzi Fudd playing tonight? Exploring UConn star's availability vs Notre Dame (Dec 12)

UConn Huskies guard Azzi Fudd is considered doubtful to play against No. 8-ranked Notre Dame on Thursday. The news comes right after Fudd suffered a minor right knee sprain when she collided with Louisville's Olivia Cochran in No. 2-ranked UConn's 85-52 win over the Cardinals on Saturday.

Fudd was able to return to the game and even knocked down a 3-pointer. However, she checked for the remainder of the matchup shortly after. The senior finished with 18 points on 6 of 10 shooting, with four rebounds two assists and one steal.

This was the same knee that Fudd had two ACL tears. She had appeared in five consecutive games.

This season, she is averaging 10.0 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.8 assists. Uconn coach Geno Auriemma reportedly expects Fudd to be out for a week so she will most likely not play against Notre Dame (7-2, 1-0 ACC).

Sophomore guard Ashlynn Shade is expected to be reinserted in the starting lineup as she started in UConn's first three games before Fudd returned. Shade is averaging up 7.6 ppg, 2.3 rpg and 1.6 spg.

There is no specific date on when Fudd will return. She'll most likely be considered day-to-day.

Notre Dame has a dynamic backcourt duo in Hannah Hidalgo and Olivia Miles. However, UConn's roster is stacked and Auriemma still has plenty of options should Fudd miss the game.

Tipoff is scheduled at 7:00 p.m. ET at Purcell Pavilion in South Bend, Indiana. The game will be shown on fubo and ESPN.

Paige Bueckers is relieved with the minority of Azzi Fudd's injury

During an interview on Tuesday, Paige Bueckers was asked about how relieved she was and the whole team that Azzi Fudd won't be sidelined for an extended period.

"Very," Bueckers said (0:12), via SNY. "You guys are probably feeling the same way. ... Just for her to keep going through these things, even this situation is unfortunate. It's just very frustrating cause she's just coming back."

Bueckers, Sarah Strong and the rest of the Huskies will have their sights set on taking down a fellow ranked team in Notre Dame and get their ninth win of the season.