In a conference call on Monday, coach Avery Johnson said Shannon Hale will return to practice Monday afternoon.

Hale missed the last two games with what Johnson referred to as a private medical situation, but his return to practice does not mean Alabama can expect him to contribute when the Crimson Tide hosts Jacksonville State Tuesday night.

Johnson said he will be day-to-day until he is cleared to return to action, and Hale is not expected to return to the starting lineup immediately.

“I could see him coming off the bench and begin on restricted minutes,” Johnson said.

Michael Kessens will likely continue to start in his place until Hale can resume his normal responsibilities. Kessens shot 3-7 from the field and grabbed seven rebounds in his two starts this season.

If Hale does not participate in Tuesday’s game, Norfolk State’s trip to Tuscaloosa on Saturday will be his last opportunity to get back out on the court before SEC play starts.  The Crimson Tide travels to Oxford, Mississippi on Jan. 7 to take on Ole Miss.