Ghanaian winger Kamaldeen Sulemana is facing a significant disruption to his footballing future following a devastating knee injury sustained during a pre-season friendly match. The injury, confirmed by medical professionals, is expected to sideline him for an extended period, potentially impacting his participation in the 2026/27 season across Serie A and international competitions.
The incident occurred during a friendly encounter between Atalanta and Schalke 04’s pre-season squad on Saturday, just days after Sulemana’s return to the Italian club’s training regimen for the new campaign. Initial assessments conducted by Tuesday revealed a second-degree tear of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) in his left knee, necessitating a lengthy recovery period.
Sulemana, who had previously featured for 45 minutes in Atalanta’s first pre-season friendly against Feyenoord, ultimately sustained the injury while attempting to contribute to the match’s outcome. The match ended in a 2-1 defeat for Atalanta, with Sulemana entering the field at half-time and being forced off with the injury shortly after, lasting only 11 minutes.
Atalanta’s management is already grappling with the ramifications of the situation, considering potential offers for the Ghanaian player during the upcoming transfer window. Sulemana joined the Bergamo-based club from Southampton last summer in a deal worth €17 million, establishing himself as a key component of Atalanta’s squad. He has already amassed 37 appearances for the club, contributing three goals and two assists throughout his time with them.
However, this setback is compounded by the already concerning injury history of the player, with previous instances of injuries impacting his performance and future prospects. He was initially sidelined for 27 days following two separate injuries last season, highlighting the severity of the issue. His absence is expected to significantly impact Atalanta’s squad depth, as the club’s focus shifts to securing alternative options for the crucial first four qualifying matches for the Africa Cup of Nations.
The injury also raises concerns for Ghana’s preparation for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, where the Black Stars are expected to be without Sulemana for their first four matches due to the ongoing recovery process. The Black Stars are relying on his presence to bolster their squad and contribute to their qualifying campaigns.
Atalanta will commence their Serie A campaign on August 23rd against Sassuolo, but Sulemana will remain unavailable for the start of the season, representing a significant challenge for the club’s overall plans. The injury underscores the ongoing uncertainty surrounding his return to competitive football, adding another layer of complexity to Atalanta’s football landscape.
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Source: Adom Sports
