Philadelphia 76ers centre Joel Embiid will undergo surgery to repair a previously identified meniscus tear in his left knee, the team NBA announced.

Embiid, who missed his first two NBA seasons due to foot injuries, will be sidelined for the rest of this campaign but is expected to be fully healed for 2017-18 when he and number one overall pick Ben Simmons (foot) are set to finally take the court together. 

In a tweet on Wednesday, the 76ers announced Embiid will "undergo surgery on meniscus in left knee in coming days. Additional details to be announced upon completion of procedure."

"Our primary objective and focus remains to protect his long-term health and ability to perform on the basketball court," Sixers president of basketball operations Bryan Colangelo said earlier this month. 

"As our medical team and performance staff continue their diligence in the evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation of Joel's injury, we will provide any pertinent updates when available." 

Embiid, 22, averaged 20.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game in 31 games played this season.