The Kentucky Wildcats have proven to be one of the best college basketball teams in the country when at full strength, and while the injury bug hasn’t hit them hard yet this season, it has come around a time or two.

Kerr Kriisa is a name that has continued to be sidelined while recovering from surgery for a broken foot. The team’s backup point guard is averaging 4.4 points per game, but his impact has been felt far greater than his average.

That said, do not expect to return in time for a high-profile showdown with the Florida Gators on Saturday. Head coach Mark Pope gave an update on Kriisa, who is celebrating his 24th birthday.

“In my mind, he’s a game-time decision for Saturday, but sometimes I live in a little bit of a fantasy land. We’ll see. We’ll see how that goes, but he’s still got…this is a major deal. It’s going to take some time,” Pope said.

Pope also discussed how hard it’s been for Kriisa to miss time in his final season of college basketball.

“It was devastating for him, for sure. Like, devastating,” said Pope. “He loves competing so much, and I don’t think his life quite feels right without being able to compete. He’s trying to find a way to lose himself in this team in other ways, and it’s going to be an incredible growing experience for him, and that’s what we have to make it. It’s an opportunity for him to really grow and learn new ways to do things.”

The Wildcats are bracing for a battle against the Gators, a team currently undefeated and sitting at No. 5 overall in the Coaches Poll and No. 4 in NET.

Having Kriisa back would’ve been ideal, especially considering his ability to run the offense and hit 3s. Kentucky will have to do without him. It’ll need big performances from players like Jaxson Robinson and Lamont Butler in order to pull out the win.

Kriisa has been on a six-week timeframe, so expect a mid-to-late January return for the West Virginia transfer guard.