Liverpool defender Djimi Traore will not feature in Mali's opening Nations Cup match against Zimbabwe.

"He did give us a verbal promise to play for us in the future but I think he is hesitating because he might also be called up by the French," said Malian Football Federation general-secretary Yacoba Traore.

Traore's hesitation might also stem from the fact that he has played for the French Under-18 side and his youth caps could affect his eligibility to play for Mali.

But the Eagles will have an English-based football player in their line-up.

Mamady Sidibe, who joined Gillingham from Swansea City in the off-season, has been named in an 18-man squad by new French coach Christian Dalger.

Although he has French nationality, Sidibe is uncapped and was born in Mali.