Cheikh Diabaté to Miss Final Matchday and Mali’s Friendlies Due to Knee Injury
Cheikh Diabaté, the top scorer for Girondins de Bordeaux this season with 12 goals, will not feature in the club’s final match of the Ligue 1 campaign against Monaco next weekend. The announcement was made by the club on Tuesday, confirming that the Mali international’s season is officially over due to injury.
Diabaté, who has struggled with injuries throughout the season, will begin a rehabilitation program for his troublesome right knee in Lyon starting Wednesday. His recovery will extend into the summer, with the striker expected to spend much of his vacation focused on regaining full fitness.
This injury also comes as a blow to Mali’s national team, as Diabaté will miss the upcoming friendly matches in May, which are part of the Eagles’ preparations for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers scheduled for September.
The 26-year-old striker’s absence leaves a significant gap for both his club and country, as he has been a key player for Bordeaux this season. Despite this setback, Bordeaux has expressed their support for Diabaté, wishing him a speedy recovery ahead of the next season.
“Cheikh Diabaté will leave for Lyon tomorrow and will follow a rehabilitation protocol for his right knee,” Bordeaux posted on their official Twitter account.
The club also reassured fans that Diabaté would likely be back for next season, hoping for a full recovery in time to make his mark once again. Fans and teammates alike will be hoping for a swift return to action for the striker, who has been instrumental in Bordeaux’s attacking play this season.
