John Calipari says Sahvir Wheeler, CJ Frederick still fighting injury

Kentucky has been playing without two of its stars, with guards Sahvir Wheeler and CJ Frederick both out due to injury.

The Wildcats are hoping to get them back soon, but neither are currently practicing with the team.

“No. They’re working out and the trainers, the weight room and all the stuff they’re doing,” coach John Calipari said Wednesday night after a win over Florida. “They’ve got two different kind of injuries, but they’re injured. And one of the things I know, you trust a player because only he knows his pain. You know? Don’t question it. If he’s in pain they shouldn’t be playing.”

Wheeler is out with a sprained ankle, while Frederick is dealing with a rib injury.

Kentucky has managed to get by OK without both, particularly in the last week. The Wildcats are on a three-game winning streak, winning road games at Florida and Mississippi State, as well as a home game against then-No. 10 Tennessee.

Kentucky can’t wait to Sahvir Wheeler, CJ Frederick back

Despite the recent results that have moved Kentucky much more safely into the NCAA Tournament according to the bracketology experts, the Wildcats would still love to get either or both back soon.

“I told them both, we need you,” Calipari said. “It’s hard. You know what CJ said? ‘Coach, when I come back Antonio (Reeves) and Chris (Livingston) are playing so well I know I’m going to go in and if I make some threes I may play more, but I know my position right now because I’m watching.'”

But there is a definite lift that should come having both back, even if it’s only from a depth standpoint.

“Sahvir makes us different,” Calipari said. “Cason (Wallace) plays one way, Sahvir’s that flying and a couple easy baskets and creating a turnover because of his defense. We need them both, to be honest with you.

“We’ll just have to see.”

Kentucky returns to action on Saturday with a 4 p.m. ET tipoff against Auburn on CBS.