Marseille defender Souleymane Diawara is targeting a return to action in September after being ruled out for the season with a knee injury.

The 33-year-old was forced off during Marseille's 1-1 draw with Nice after suffering a ruptured ligament.

Diawara is expected to go under the knife but has not let his injury get him down and is optimistic about returning for next season.

"Do you think if I'm a bit down my ligaments are going to fuse themselves back together?" said Diawara. "I'll have an operation, and then do everything to get back fit again.

"I hope I'll be playing again in September, but we're not going to rush anything. My age isn't a problem. I'll be back."

The Senegal international moved to the Stade Velodrome from Bordeaux in 2009.