Mamady Sidibe admits he will bide his time before making a decision on whether to return to action for Mali.

The 27-year old striker was left with a deep gash in his right arm, as well as cuts to his face following a supporter invasion after their 2-0 win in Togo last month.

And despite being offered the chance to link up with the side for the clashes against Senegal and Algeria over the next four days, he insists the time just isn't right.

He says: "I think it is too early to think of going back to play for them again.

"I think I need to have a sit down and have a real hard think about whether I will play for them again.

"After what happened I really am not sure about what I want to do."

The City favourite has received mixed messages from his family about returning for the African Nations Cup in the New Year, and says a chat with his wife and parents will give him a better indication on what his international future holds.

"It's not just my decision, I need to speak with all of my family and decide what we all think is best.

"My family in Mali want me to go back and play for my country, especially with it being the African Nations Cup.

"But my mum and my dad are very, very worried because of what happened.

"It's the same with my wife, she like my parents are scared and they don't want me to go back again, but I will have a good think about it."