Sissoko has been ruled out until May at the earliest
Mali coach Stephen Keshi is hoping that midfielder Mohammed Sissoko will recover from injury in time for the 2010 World Cup qualifiers in June.
The Juventus star has been ruled out for the rest of the European season after breaking a bone in his left foot.
Sissoko was already ruled out of the 2010 qualifier in Sudan on 28 March, having picked up two yellow cards, but the Nigerian coach hopes he will be fit for Mali's home fixtures against Ghana and Benin.
"It's a massive shame really because we have two games in June and they truly are the key moments for us," Keshi told BBC Sport.
"He is an important player for us and we can only wish him a quick recovery because he brings a lot to the team.
"But I spoke to him and he sounds very optimistic that he'll be fine."
Mali are aiming to qualify for the World Cup finals for the first time, and are growing into a potent force under Keshi.
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