Ghanaian international Kamaldeen Sulemana has been ruled out for up to three months. He suffered a second-degree tear to the medial collateral ligament (MCL) in his left knee. This injury occurred during Atalanta's pre-season friendly against Schalke 04 on Saturday.
The 24-year-old attacker is now expected to begin rehabilitation. His possible return to play is anticipated in November. This injury is a significant blow for Atalanta as they prepare for the 2026-27 season. It also impacts the Ghana Black Stars' upcoming fixtures.
Sulemana's absence will affect Ghana's campaign in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. These qualifiers are scheduled to kick off in September. Ghana is placed in Group C alongside The Gambia, Somalia, and Ivory Coast. His experience and skill will be missed during these crucial matches.
The injury happened early in the friendly match. Sulemana lasted only about 10 minutes before being substituted. He immediately went down the tunnel, raising concerns about the severity of the problem. Medical examinations confirmed the extent of the injury.
Atalanta confirmed the diagnosis, stating, "Medical examinations carried out on Kamaldeen Sulemana following the injury sustained during the Schalke 04 v Atalanta match have revealed a grade-two medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury to his left knee. The player will begin his rehabilitation programme tomorrow." This statement highlights the immediate start of his recovery process.
Sulemana joined Atalanta from Southampton in 2025. Since his arrival, he has made 25 appearances for the Italian club. He has scored two goals during his tenure. His contributions have been important to the team's performance.
This setback comes at a critical time for both club and country. Atalanta will need to adjust their strategies for the opening months of the season without a key player. The Ghana Black Stars will also face a challenge in their qualification campaign without Sulemana's presence.
The focus now shifts to his rehabilitation. A successful recovery will be vital for his return to top-level football. Fans and teammates will be closely watching his progress over the coming months. His return in November would be a welcome boost for both Atalanta and the national team.