Ghana international Kamaldeen Sulemana is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a knee injury that is expected to keep him out for the first two to three months of the 2026/27 season.
The 24-year-old winger sustained the injury during Atalanta’s pre-season friendly against Schalke 04 over the weekend, just days after returning to the Italian club’s preparations for the new campaign.
Sulemana had featured for 45 minutes in Atalanta’s first pre-season friendly against Feyenoord, which ended in a 2-1 defeat. He was introduced at half-time against Schalke but lasted only 11 minutes before being forced off with the knee problem.
Initial medical examinations conducted on Tuesday revealed a second-degree tear of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) in his left knee.
The injury is expected to rule Sulemana out until around December, meaning he could miss more than 20 matches for Atalanta across Serie A and cup competitions.
His absence is also a major setback for Atalanta, who had been considering offers for the Ghanaian winger during the current transfer window. Sulemana joined the Bergamo-based club from Southampton last summer in a deal worth €17 million.
During his first season with Atalanta, the former FC Nordsjaelland player made 37 appearances, scoring three goals and providing two assists.
Sulemana’s latest setback adds to his injury struggles at the club. The Right to Dream Academy graduate missed 27 days of action last season after suffering two separate injuries.
He is now expected to begin a rehabilitation programme as he targets a return to competitive football later in the year.
Atalanta will open their Serie A campaign on August 23 with a home fixture against Sassuolo, but Sulemana will not be available for the start of the season.
The injury is also a blow to Ghana’s preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The Black Stars are expected to be without the winger for their first four qualifying matches as he continues his recovery.
Sulemana was part of Ghana’s squad at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and remains an important option for the national team, making his latest injury a significant concern for both Atalanta and the Black Stars.
