Kansas center Jeff Withey delivers a dunk before Iowa State forward LaRon Dendy during the second half, Saturday, Jan. 23, 2010 at Hilton Coliseum in Ames, Iowa.

Kansas University sophomore basketball center Jeff Withey will miss the next four to six weeks after breaking his right foot, coach Bill Self reported on Friday.

“Jeff broke the fifth metatarsal in his right foot during individual workouts earlier this week,” Self said. “He had surgery (performed by KU’s medical staff), and doctors expect a full recovery in four to six weeks. We do not want to bring Jeff back too quickly.”

The timetable could have Withey back near the time of the Jayhawks’ Nov. 2 exhibition opener versus Washburn.

Withey, a 7-footer from San Diego, has been on the injured list the past two preseasons. He missed six weeks last October/November because of a stress fracture in his right knee. He also missed three weeks during the summer last year because of a severely sprained right thumb.

The Arizona transfer, who became eligible after the first semester last season, averaged 1.3 points and 1.4 rebounds in 15 games. He hit seven of 13 shots and grabbed 21 rebounds with six blocks.

Of Withey, Self said recently: “Jeff is 7-foot and is long and can block shots. He’s a pretty good runner and good worker. This kid has a chance to be a great player. He’s just time away.”