Stoke City will decide whether injured striker Mamady Sidibe will have surgery on his knee or if he will rest in a bid to return this season.

Sidibe injured his knee whilst preparing for a reserves match against Aston Villa last week and the club is yet to ascertain if he should have surgery for better long-term results or if he can recover and come back in a matter fo weeks.

"The options are split between rest and recuperation on the one hand in the hope the injury will settle down, or immediate surgery to repair the ligament," Potters manager Tony Pulis told the Stoke Sentinel.

"The first course of action might mean he comes back in time for the last three or four games of the season, while the second obviously means a long period of recovery.

"The bottom line is we do what is best for Mama. I think every fan knows what a lovely fella he is and he'd die for the cause, but it will be a decision ruled by the head and not the heart."