Sam Allardyce not expecting Diafra Sakho to be banned for missing AFCON

West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce has no worries that Diafra Sakho will face a suspension for withdrawing from the Africa Cup of Nations.

The Senegal international did not join his teammates for the tournament due to a back injury, but questions were raised when he returned to action last weekend to score in the Hammers' 1-0 victory over Bristol City in the FA Cup.

FIFA rules state that players can be punished with bans if they avoid international duty, but Allardyce has no concerns.

"I'm not worried that Sakho will face a ban whatsoever," Allardyce told reporters. "We have stuck by every rule and regulation in the book."

Following a medical assessment, West Ham ruled that Sakho was unfit to fly for six weeks.