Stoke´s Sidibe out for season

Stoke striker Mamady Sidibe will miss the rest of the English Premier League season after suffering his second Achilles tendon tear in six months.

The 31-year-old Malian first tore the tendon two games into the season, and although the new injury – suffered at training on Thursday – is to the same ankle, Stoke boss Tony Pulis told the club’s website the injuries are unrelated.

“It’s the same ankle, but higher up on the tendon this time,” Pulis said.

“It’s wretched luck for the lad, who has had more than his fair share of injury setbacks over the past two years.”

“But there is no reason why he can’t battle his way back to full fitness.”

“I know he has the determination and dedication to do it and we will give him all the support he needs.”

“He would definitely have played some part in the second half of our season and he was very close to being ready for inclusion in the squad, so this is a massive blow for him and us.”