Nerlens Noel Injury: Updates on 76ers Star's Eye and Return

Philadelphia 76ers power forward Nerlens Noel suffered a corneal abrasion to his left eye when he was hit by Toronto Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry's elbow on Dec. 13. However, he's ready to return.

Continue for updates.

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Noel Will Play vs. Knicks

Friday, Dec. 18

ESPN.com's Ian Begley reported that Noel is active for Friday's game against the Knicks.

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Noel Taken to Hospital

Sunday, Dec. 13

Head coach Brett Brown is unsure if Noel can fly back with the team on Sunday night after being taken to the hospital, according to James Herbert of CBS Sports.

Bob Cooney of the Philadelphia Daily News said he saw Noel in the hallways and noted that he looked "very woozy."

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Noel Essential Piece to 76ers' Rebuilding Efforts 

Noel, 21, has established himself as a key figure for the young Sixers. He's coming off an excellent rookie season that saw him average 9.9 points, 8.1 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game and mark himself as a difference-maker defensively and on the boards.

While he missed a few games early in the 2015-16 season with a wrist injury, he's been generally healthy for the Sixers since an ACL injury cost him his first year in the league.

This season, he's combined with promising rookie Jahlil Okafor to give the Sixers an exciting frontcourt and form the backbone of the team's rebuilding efforts.

Noel has continued to develop into one of the more promising young power forwards in the league, so his health is vital for the hapless Sixers.