CJ Fredrick to play for Kentucky against Arkansas

CJ Fredrick is expected to play Saturday for Kentucky against Arkansas, On3 and KSR’s Jack Pilgrim reported. Fredrick has been dealing with a rib injury.

Fredrick played through his injury against Vanderbilt and Auburn, Pilgrim reported, and has been a key piece for Kentucky this season. In 23 games, he averages 6.9 points and 1.5 assists while shooting 33% from three-point territory.

Kentucky dealt with multiple injuries in the loss to Vanderbilt earlier this week. Cason Wallace suffered an ankle injury and, although x-rays came back negative, his status is still unclear for Saturday’s matchup. In addition, Sahvir Wheeler underwent a procedure for his ankle injury, meaning he’s out for the time being, as well. Head coach John Calipari said Wheeler is likely to be out “a couple of weeks.”

Kentucky and Arkansas tip off Saturday at 2 p.m. CT on CBS.

John Calipari says it will be ‘a couple of weeks’ before Sahvir Wheeler returns

John Calipari revealed that Kentucky point guard Sahvir Wheeler underwent a minor procedure Wednesday that is unrelated to the ankle injury keeping him out of action. He has now revealed the timetable for Wheeler’s return.

“My guess right now, and what the doctors told me — it’s going to be a couple of weeks,” Calipari said postgame. “Or at least, that’s what they think. So, this is what we have right now.”

With the SEC Tournament one week away and the NCAA Tournament soon after that, time is running out for Wheeler to recover both from his ankle injury and from his procedure. Still, the senior PG has one more season of eligibility if he chooses to use it.

Wheeler had been coming off the bench for Kentucky before going down with his ailment, but was providing key minutes for Calipari’s squad down the stretch this season. He hasn’t played since Feb. 4, and Cason Wallace has taken over starting point guard duties in his absence.