Sidibe returned to the Stoke first team in the Carling Cup loss at Portsmouth

Stoke striker Mamady Sidibe has suffered another setback on his road to recovery from a knee injury.

Sidibe had to be substituted, this time with a hamstring problem, just four minutes in the Potters' 3-2 reserve team win against Chelsea on Monday.

"He wanted to carry on, but there was no way that was going to happen," coach Mark O'Connor told BBC Radio Stoke.

"He's been out for a long time and there's no point rushing him. There was no hesitation to take him off."

The 29-year-old Mali international has just returned to action after seven months on the sidelines, appearing as a substitute in the first-team games against Portsmouth and Wolves, but is now set to miss Sunday's Premier League clash with Hull.

If I put myself in his position and I was living in Uruguay, I don't think I would feel at home Stoke coach Mark O'Connor

Uruguay international midfielder Diego Arismendi also played in the match at Nantwich's Weaver Stadium, and O'Connor believes that he is starting to adjust to life in England after his move from South America in August.

"The language thing is a problem," said O'Connor. "He's taking English lessons and he's getting better.

"We've made a big effort as a football club, because we think a lot of him, to make him welcome.

"He's getting a feeling for the club and the place, and you just hope that in time that makes him a first-team player.

"If I put myself in his position and I was living in Uruguay, I don't think I would feel at home."

Arismendi started in the Carling Cup games against Blackpool and Portsmouth, but has yet to make his debut in the Premier League.

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