Stoke striker Mame Diouf said the tragedy of losing his mother took its toll on him, reports BBC Sport.

The Senegal striker's mum was one of 1,200 people crushed to death during a stampede at Mecca in September.

Mark Hughes granted him compassionate leave and he has since started just one game, in the League Cup against Chelsea.

Speaking to the Stoke Sentinel he said: "It was long, long, long, long days, but now I am getting back and trying to stay together with the family.

"Now I am really fully focused. It's been a long time being away, not away, but away in the head. But now I am focused on football."