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Boss keen to raise Sidibe's spirits
Stoke City, 10:36, October 31, 2011
Stoke manager Tony Pulis has urged Mamady Sidibe not to worry as the striker attempts to overcome yet another major injury.
Sidibe, who has not played for the first team since August 2010 after twice rupturing an Achilles tendon, might have come into contention to play a part this week as the Potters prepare for three games in seven days, but instead he suffered fresh injury heartache when he damaged a knee tendon in a reserve game on Wednesday.
The 31-year-old is now set for a fourth knee operation in three years amid fears that he may never play again.
Pulis has moved to assure the Mali international that he will be "looked after" by the club with his contract due to expire at the end of the season, but revealed Sidibe is understandably very downbeat.
"He's very down in himself," Pulis said on the club's official website. "His mum's over at the moment and it's not been a very good week for the family. He's worked very, very hard to get back again, it's been a long road when the injury is that severe and it's been several times.
"For him to have done it three or four times, it sets him back so far. But I've had a chat with him and he doesn't have to worry. I think he's a worrier but the club will look after him. We have assured him we will back him and we will look after him."
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