FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas head coach John Calipari and staff are managing a health setback and a developmental strategy as the Razorbacks prepare for the 2025–26 season.
Karim Rtail, a freshman wing from Lebanon, will miss an extended stretch after undergoing a procedure on his back, according to Andrew Hutchinson at Best of Arkansas Sports.
The surgery could sideline him for up to 12 weeks, which would place his return near the opening of SEC play.
Rtail, 21, came into the program as a developmental piece and was not expected to have heavy minutes early in his Arkansas tenure.
In his most recent season abroad in Lithuania’s second-tier league with Neptūnas-Akvaservis, he averaged 8.3 points and 4.5 rebounds in 17.1 minutes over 35 games, shooting 42.6% overall, 31.4% from three, and 78.9% from the free-throw line.
Calipari, referencing last season’s injury burdens, contrasted the current roster’s relative health.
“Oh my gosh, we couldn’t do anything last year,” he said. “We can go at each other and do a scrimmage versus what we had to do last year — we didn’t have enough guys.”
Still, Rtail’s absence will test depth on the wing.
Though not projected as a major contributor immediately, missing three months could slow his acclimation to the college game. In the Crimson and White scrimmages earlier this fall, he did not participate.
Semedo set to redshirt, focused on growth
Seven-footer Paulo Semedo, an Angolan prospect who committed mid-June, is expected to redshirt this season, sources say.
At the “Primetime at the Palace” event, Semedo didn’t take the floor, while another newcomer, Elmir Dzafic, did.
Critiques of Semedo’s early performance have emerged. Arkansas assistant coach Chuck Martin told Hawgs Illustrated that Semedo needs to “get a little bit stronger.”
Meanwhile, Inside Arkansas Hoops expert Curtis Wilkerson, after watching him at an event, observed that Semedo appeared to be “overthinking everything” and “overwhelmed” by the information.
Despite challenges, the potential is considerable. ESPN ranked Semedo as the No. 50 overall prospect in the 2026 class. He reportedly has a wingspan of 7-5 (some rumors suggest 7-8) and has drawn “African Wemby” comparisons, referencing Victor Wembanyama.
Calipari also addressed Semedo’s progress in offseason interviews, saying, “He’s doing good, he’s young, physically has to catch up, conditioning and all those things, but you’re talking about a 7-foot talented player.”
If injuries arise among frontcourt rotation players such as Malique Ewin or Nick Pringle, plans to redshirt Semedo could shift.
Roster context and implications
Arkansas returns sophomores Karter Knox and Billy Richmond III and freshman Isaiah Sealy as wing options anticipated to play ahead of Rtail. The injury to Rtail means those wings will likely absorb more load early.
Meanwhile, in the frontcourt, Arkansas has depth with Ewin, Pringle, returner Trevon Brazile, and Dzafic. But if injuries affect any of those, Semedo’s readiness could become critical.
Calipari has expressed relief that the roster is healthier than last season, when multiple players were sidelined early. But managing minutes, especially in nonconference games and exhibitions, may require caution. Rtail’s recovery timetable and Semedo’s gradual integration are part of that balancing act.
What’s next and timeline
• Rtail’s recovery: If the 12-week estimate holds, he could rejoin the roster near the start of SEC play — likely late December or early January. His timeline could adjust based on rehabilitation progress.
• Semedo development: This year is slated for strength and conditioning work, learning the system, and gaining experience off the bench.
• Rotation stress test: Early nonconference schedule and exhibition games will be opportunities to expose depth, without overextending injured or inexperienced players.
• Potential shift if injuries occur: Should Ewin or Pringle experience injuries, redshirt plans for Semedo may be revisited.
Arkansas enters a phase of cautious optimism. The program must balance ambition with realistic expectations amid injuries and development curves.
The Rtail surgery is a setback, but one that can be mitigated with time; Semedo’s redshirt year offers room for growth.
As the season approaches, the strength of the depth chart and player development will be tested.
Key takeaways
• Karim Rtail will miss approximately 12 weeks after back surgery, delaying his arrival into rotation.
• Paulo Semedo is slated to redshirt this season while focusing on strength, conditioning, and adaptation.
• Arkansas’ roster depth and wing rotation will be under early pressure with Rtail unavailable.
