MALI have recalled Albion star Yves Bissouma to their squad for the Africa Cup of Nations, after a three-year absence from international football.

The 25-year-old was named in Mohamed Magassouba’s 28-man squad ahead of the tournament, which is due to begin on January 9.

Bissouma has not played for Mali since a cup qualifier in 2018 after reportedly falling out with the coach.

He missed the 2019 Nations Cup in Egypt with a shoulder injury.

Mali, who have also qualified for Africa's 2022 World Cup play-offs, open their Nations Cup tournament on January 12 against Tunisia in Limbe and also take on Gabon and Mauritania in Group F.

Mali squad in full

Goalkeepers: Djigui Diarra (Young Africans, Tanzania), Ismael Diawara (Malmo, Sweden), Ibrahima Mounkoro (TP Mazembe, DR Congo).

Defenders: Senou Coulibaly (Dijon, France), Mamadou Fofana (Amiens, France), Massadio Haidara (Racing Lens, France), Boubacar Kiki Kouyate (Metz, France), Falaye Sacko (Vitoria Guimaraes, Portugal), Issiaka Samake (Horoya, Guinea), Moussa Sissako (Standard Liege, Belgium), Charles Traore (Nantes, France), Hamari Traore (Stade Rennes, France).

Midfielders: Yves Bissouma (Brighton and Hove Albion, England), Mohamed Camara (RB Salzburg, Austria), Lassana Coulibaly (Salernitana, Italy), Aliou Dieng (Al Ahly, Egypt), Amadou Haidara (RB Leipzig, Germany), Romenigue Kouame (Troyes, France), Diadie Samassekou (Hoffenheim, Germany), Adama 'Noss' Traore (Hatayspor, Turkey), Hamidou Traore (Giresunspor, Turkey).

Forwards: Kalifa Coulibaly (Nantes, France), Moussa Doumbia (Stade Reims, France), Moussa Djenepo (Southampton, England), Ibrahima Kone (Sarpsborg, Norway), Lassine Sinayoko (AJ Auxerre, France), Adama "Malouda" Traore (Sheriff Tiraspol, Moldova), El Bilal Toure (Stade Reims, France).

Born in Ivory Coast and raised in Mali, Bissouma signed his first professional contract with Lille OSC in 2016.

The midfielder made 47 appearances for the club, scoring four goals in total.

In July 2018, Bissouma signed for Brighton and Hove Albion, making his debut on the opening day of the 2018/19 Premier League season in a 2–0 away loss to Watford.

He made his first start in Brighton's third match of the season - a 1–0 away loss at Liverpool.

On January 5, 2019, Bissouma scored his first Albion goal on his FA Cup debut in a 3–1 away win against Bournemouth.

He scored his first ever Premier League goal on the last day of the 2019/20 season with a long-range shot in a 2–1 away win against Burnley.

Bissouma was shown his first red card for Albion in Brighton's 3–0 away victory over Newcastle in their second league match of the 2020/21 season.