Source: Joel Embiid returns to Qatar for rehab with Sixers personnel

Joel Embiid has returned to Qatar to continue his rehab for a few weeks with Sixers personnel, a source confirmed to CSNPhilly.com on Saturday.

The Philadelphia Inquirer first reported the story.

Embiid traveled to Qatar last month to stay at Aspetar, a leading orthopaedic and sports medicine hospital. This time, his overseas trip will include a little more training than the previous one, according to a source.

Embiid is recovering from foot surgery. The third-overall pick in the 2014 NBA draft has yet to play a game because of injuries.

Head coach Brett Brown spoke highly of Embiid's first trip to Aspetar.

“He’s come back from the Middle East where he could be in an amazing situation where he could speak French,” Brown said earlier this month. “He could be in an environment that he tells me reminded him of Cameroon, that is beyond highly professional around fellow athletes, that the days were very rigid, very monitored, very disciplined. No BS. This is your road map or you’re not welcome here type of atmosphere — boot camp-ish."

This season, Embiid has been seen taking shots after practices and before games. His long-range abilities have made an impression while he works his way back to the court.

The Sixers are shorthanded when it comes to their bigs. Jahlil Okafor will miss the remainder of the season because of a small meniscus tear. Robert Covington is going through the NBA concussion protocol and Richaun Holmes is recovering from a strained Achilles.

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