Sidibe consulted his family before deciding to return to Mali (Getty Images)

Sidibe had considered not returning to Africa after he was the victim of a near-fatal attack following his country's match with Togo in October.

It is not yet clear how many of the Potters' games the 28-year-old will miss by playing for Mali.

"We should find out in the next few days exactly what his schedules are," Stoke boss Tony Pulis said.