Mama Sidibe's operation on his damaged achilles has been a success and could see the frontman return to fitness before the calendar year is out.
Sidibe had been expected to be out for the rest of the season but those fears have been allayed with the striker now set for a New Year return.
Malian international Sidibe will no doubt miss out on a spot in the Potters initial 25 man squad but could now return to the squad in January, the first opportunity the Potters have to change their squad, with a player being forced to leave the squad to keep the maximum 25 players allowed under new guidelines.