Atalanta's Sulemana Out Two Months with Knee Injury

Blow for Atalanta as Sulemana Sidelined

Atalanta will be without Ghanaian forward Kamaldeen Sulemana for at least two months after he sustained a serious knee injury during a pre-season friendly, the club confirmed on Wednesday.

The 24-year-old limped off during Saturday's 3-0 victory over Schalke 04, and subsequent medical tests revealed a Grade II lesion to the collateral medial ligament in his left knee, according to a club statement. Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that this type of injury typically requires a recovery period of around two months.

The setback is a significant blow to Sulemana, who had been hoping to establish himself under new coach Maurizio Sarri after a difficult first season at the Gewiss Stadium. Atalanta signed the former Southampton winger in the summer of 2025 for €17.5 million plus add-ons, but he has managed just three goals and two assists in 37 competitive appearances, with only 12 starts.

Sarri's Tactical Shift Impacted

Sulemana's absence comes at a crucial time as Sarri looks to implement his preferred 4-3-3 formation, which features a trident attack. The Ghana international was expected to compete for a starting role on the wing, but now Sarri will have to adjust his plans for the opening weeks of the season.

Atalanta's attacking options remain strong, but the loss of Sulemana's pace and dribbling could limit their ability to stretch defences. The club's medical staff will monitor his rehabilitation closely, with a potential return expected in mid-October, just as the Serie A season enters a busy phase.

For Sulemana, this injury is another frustration in a career that promised much when he burst onto the scene in Belgium with Anderlecht before moving to the Premier League with Southampton. He will now face a battle to regain fitness and prove his worth in Bergamo.

Atalanta fans will hope the setback does not derail their team's early-season momentum as they prepare for the new campaign. With the transfer window still open, the club may consider reinforcements, but for now, they must cope without one of their key wide options.

For more on how this affects Atalanta's season, check out our Serie A predictions and today's AI betting tips.