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Sidibe's Monaco season over but World Cup return possible

Monaco’s head coach does not expect the full-back to return this season and the timetable of the injury leaves his France chances in some doubt

France international Djibril Sidibe is a doubt for the World Cup after being diagnosed with a season-ending knee injury suffered in Monaco’s heavy defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.

The Monaco full-back, who has become a rumoured Manchester United target, suffered the injury during Sunday’s heavy defeat away to PSG and was subbed off after 34 minutes, with Rachid Ghezzal coming on in his stead. 

The result that saw Unai Emery’s men reclaim the Ligue 1 title in emphatic fashion and now Monaco coach Leonardo Jardim has confirmed his side were dealt a further blow in a heavy 7-1 thumping due to Sidibe’s injury.

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“In the most serious cases it is seven weeks; in the less serious, four weeks,” Jardim told reporters. 

“You have to check that with the specialists. The medical service will make the best decision, I have full confidence.

“Will we be seeing him again this season? I think not.”

France’s first game in the 2018 World Cup will take place June 16, meaning the recovery time for the most serious cases would put Sidibe right up against that date. 

A €15 million signing from Lille in the summer of 2016, the 25-year-old Sidibe has started 24 games in Ligue 1 this season, scoring two goals and adding two assists as Monaco ultimately fell short of defending their title. 

However, his performances this season have reportedly drawn the interest of suitors, including the Red Devils.