Bordeaux’s Malian striker Cheick Diabaté has been ruled out of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.
The 26-year old is set to undergo surgery on his knee following persistent problems and will be out of action for four months, his club has confirmed on their official website on Thursday.
It is a big blow for the Eagles in their quest for continental glory in Equatorial Guinea, after having to settle for a third place finish in the 2012 and 2013 editions of the African showpiece.
Mali will resume a pre-AFCON camp in Libreville on January 6, and will kick off their competition against Cameroon in Malabo on January 20 before facing Côte d’Ivoire and Guinea in their Group D.