NEW YORK, Dec. 6 (Xinhua) -- Injured New Jersey Nets forward Yi Jianlian needs 50 stitches to close a cup in upper lip after he was inadvertently elbowed by teammate Sean Williams while playing 3-on-3 after practice on Saturday.

The cut wound is expected to cost Yi at least another week after he missed 15 games with a sprained right knee and hoped to return on Sunday.

    The Chinese Olympian will be evaluated next Monday.

Chinese forward Yi Jianlian gets knee injuries in a game against Bobcats, Nov. 2, 2009.

    "Sometimes these things work out for the best," coach Kiki Vandeweghe said before the Nets' game against the Knicks.

    "He really wanted to get back, was very anxious to get back, so maybe he was hurrying himself a little bit and he'll be fully recovered when he gets back."

    Yi has been sidelined since injuring his knee in a game against Charlotte early last month.

    He is averaging 9.8 points and 7.5 rebounds.