Rick Pitino said Wednesday that 6-foot-11 center Gorgui Dieng, who has been out with a fracture in his left wrist since late-November, might play in Louisville’s game on Dec. 22 against Western Kentucky.

“He could play in the Western Kentucky game if he’s in shape,” Pitino said. “That’s the biggest thing, not the hand, if he’s in shape to play.”

Dieng has not yet progressed to the point of dribbling and blocking shots with his left hand.

The Cardinals are scheduled to face Kentucky on Dec. 29.

“I’d love to get 15-18 minutes out of him [against Western Kentucky] to prepare him for the Kentucky game,” Pitino said.