Tre Mitchell injury update: Latest on Kentucky forward ahead of game vs Auburn
The big question on everyone's mind is the health of star forward Tre Mitchell ahead of No. 22 Kentuck's Saturday night matchup against No. 13 Auburn.
Mitchell's recent injury woes have cast a shadow over the team's prospects, and as the game approaches, speculation is rife regarding his availability.
Tre Mitchell Injury Update
Mitchell will likely miss the Wildcats' showdown against Auburn after injuring his shoulder while playing against Ole Miss on Tuesday.
Mitchell had just recovered from back pain that had kept him out for two games. Before exiting the game due to the new injury, he scored five points, grabbed six rebounds and made two assists in 21 minutes.
Kentucky coach John Calipari shared this information after the game:
"Went to get x-rays, I don't know."
The X-ray results reportedly showed no fractures, just a sprained trapezius muscle. This injury might keep him away from the court for a week or two, which means he shouldn't be available to face the Tigers. He's not been ruled out yet, but Coach Calipari will be sharing a detailed update before the clash.
Mitchell's averaged 12 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game, but has been struggling with injuries.
What happened to Tre Mitchell?
Tre Mitchell's injury woes have been a cause for concern for Kentucky throughout the season, with recurring back pain hampering his performance on the court.
During the game against Ole Miss, Mitchell's shoulder injury occurred as he attempted to navigate through a screen set by an opposing player. The collision forced the forward to seek medical attention, disrupting his return to full form after a brief absence due to back issues.
Despite the setback, Tre Mitchell's influence on the court was palpable, prompting coach Calipari to acknowledge his significance.
"He gets those tough rebounds, which we don’t get," Calipari said. "Now, you get them with him in the game."
Teammates echoed similar sentiments, highlighting Mitchell's impact on team dynamics and morale. Ugonna Onyenso said:
"That was amazing. ... We were so happy everybody was back playing."
While Mitchell's injury is not deemed season-ending, the uncertainty surrounding his recovery timeline raises concerns about his availability for future matchups, including the road game against LSU.