Sidibe favours operation on knee

Sidibe is expected to go to France to have his operation

Stoke City striker Mamady Sidibe says that he is likely to have surgery to cure his cruciate knee ligament injury.

"The operation is the best thing because the first time I tried to come back, the pain was still there," he told BBC Radio Stoke.

"My comeback might take four weeks and we can't take the risk. If I have the operation I will come back stronger."

The 29-year-old hopes to be back playing again by the early weeks of next season.

Sidibe was injured prior to a reserve game at Aston Villa on 23 March, having just returned from a similar knee problem the previous month.

"For some specialists, the cruciate ligament is completely gone, and for others they say there is still some there, but not enough to play," said Sidibe.

Sidibe has scored four goals in 24 appearances for the Potters this season.

The Mali international added: "I know it's the end of the season for me, so it's disappointing, especially with this being my first in the Premier League.

"It was my dream to play in the Premier League and I hope it's not over."