Cheick Diabate ruled out of Africa Cup of Nations

Mali have been dealt a blow in their preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations with the news that Cheick Diabate will miss the tournament with a knee injury.

A meeting with a specialist in France confirmed that the Bordeaux forward would need an operation to repair the knee after complaining about a problem on a number of occasions this season, and he is expected to be out for around four months.

Bordeaux revealed in a statement on Thursday that the surgery is "essential for the successful continuation of his career".

Diabate scored just once in qualifying for the tournament, but he was join top-scorer in the competition in 2012.

Mali, who have finished third at the last two finals, have been drawn in Group D alongside Ivory Coast, Cameroon and Guinea.