The Senegalese FA have decided to withdraw Mame Biram Diouf from their African Nations qualifiers out of respect for Stoke City.

Diouf joined up with the Senegal national team despite carrying a groin injury but after being deemed not fit enough to play in the recent fixture against Namibia, the African nation's FA have decided to release the striker in order to avoid aggravating the problem.

Senegal manager Aliou Cisse said: "Out of respect to the club of the player who have trusted us by providing us with the player despite his injury we did not want to take risks. We want to make sure Diouf returns to his club in a good condition."

Diouf has been in bright form for the Potters in the early stages of the Premier League season with 2 goals in 4 outings.