Final answer:
The anterior talofibular ligament is most likely to be injured during a lateral ankle sprain, due to its location and role in stabilizing the ankle against excessive inversion of the foot.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ligament that would most likely be injured with a lateral ankle sprain is the anterior talofibular ligament. This is because the lateral side of the ankle contains several smaller ligaments that support the ankle joint and resist excess inversion of the foot, and the anterior talofibular ligament is the most commonly injured one, especially when there is excessive inversion of the foot, which is common during ankle sprains.
During an inversion ankle sprain, the talus bone tilts laterally and this movement can damage the ligaments on the lateral side of the ankle. The anterior talofibular ligament is particularly susceptible to injury, followed by the calcaneofibular ligament.