Philadelphia 76ers rookie centre Nerlens Noel has revealed that he could return to action later this season.

The summer recruit has yet to play a single minute this year after suffering a knee injury while playing for the Kentucky Wildcats, but is optimistic he can recover ahead of schedule.

"There's a possibility," he told NBA Radio.

"We're just taking our time with it, being cautious with things."

Noel, the No.6 overall pick, had surgery to repair the ACL in his left knee in March, and his recovery timetable is set for between six to eight months.