Yves Bissouma is likely to miss the start of the Premier League season.

Abion have withdrawn their midfielder from the Mali squad preparing for the African Cup of Nations due to a shoulder problem.

The Argus understands Bissouma is having an operation on a long-standing issue during the summer on the advice of a specialist.

It is likely that he will miss the start of the domestic season as he completes his rehabilitation.

It is understood Bissouma does not have a fracture, as has been reported.

He suffered an injury several years ago which caused him problems during matches last season.

Bissouma had been due to join up with his national squad, known as Les Aigles (The Eagles), for a training camp in Bamako before travelling to Egypt for their tournament opener versus Mauritania on June 24.

But interim Mali head coach Mohamed Magassouba said he has been kept well-informed of the player’s situation.

Magassoba said: “His club has officially approached Les Aigles’ doctor to express his intention to have him treated during the holidays.

“There has also been a lot of interaction between the national team doctor and his doctor.”

Bissouma has shown signs of huge promise since his move from Lille last summer.

He made 17 Premier League starts last season and came off the bench on a further 11 occasions.

Albion will be looking for him to kick on in the 2019-20 campaign once he returns to full fitness.

A source at the Guillou Football Academy in Bamako, where Bissouma received his footballing education, recalls him requiring treatment for a shoulder issue as a teenager.

Academy administrator Mamadou Wad said: “We will all be sad not to see him at the Cup of Nations but he can’t delay with this problem if it is worrying him.”