Tolu Smith expected to return for Mississippi State basketball against Arkansas

Forward Tolu Smith is warming up for Mississippi State basketball ahead of Saturday's game against Arkansas and is expected to play after missing two weeks with a knee injury.

Smith, who has struggled with injuries throughout the season, suffered a partially dislocated knee in the last two minutes against Ole Miss on Jan. 22. An MRI showed no structural damage and coach Ben Howland said Smith was week-to-week.

In his pregame press conference Friday, Howland said Smith participated in a half court drills. He considered the 6-foot-10 forward "questionable" for Saturday (7:30 p.m., SEC Network).

MRI: Tolu Smith's MRI results show no structural damage after partially dislocated knee

VIEWING: How to watch Arkansas Razorbacks vs. Mississippi State men's basketball on TV, live stream

Smith missed the beginning of the season as he recovered from a stress fracture in his foot. After he returned, a fractured pinky toe forced him to miss more time, and health and safety protocols caused Smith to miss an additional game. His injury against Ole Miss was another blow.

Howland said at the time he was optimistic Smith would return after two weeks, and his hopes materialized Saturday — two weeks to the day of his injury.

Smith has been a key component when healthy, although that's been limited. In his eight games this season, Smith has averaged 13.1 points and 6.6 rebounds per game. When he played Arkansas on Dec. 29, he scored 18 points.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Tolu Smith expected to return for Mississippi State basketball vs. Arkansas