Ghana international Kamaldeen Sulemana returned to competitive football after several months out with a knee injury during Atalanta’s 2-2 draw with Fiorentina in Serie A on Thursday night.
The 24-year-old winger came on in the 84th minute, replacing Nicola Zalewski, as the two sides shared the points.
Sulemana had not played since suffering the injury in a pre-season friendly against German club Schalke 04. Medical tests showed he had sustained a second-degree tear of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) in his left knee.
The setback required the Atalanta forward to undergo an extended rehabilitation programme, keeping him out of action for several months.
His appearance against Fiorentina marks an important step in his recovery and provides Atalanta with another attacking option for the remainder of the campaign. The Italian club will hope to benefit from Sulemana’s pace, dribbling and creativity as he works towards full fitness.
Sulemana joined Atalanta from Southampton last summer and made a positive impression during his first season at the club. He scored three goals and supplied two assists in 37 appearances across all competitions.
The winger will now aim to rebuild his match fitness and gradually challenge for a place in Atalanta’s starting line-up as the season continues.
His return is also a welcome development for Ghana, with the Black Stars set to benefit from his attacking ability once he has regained full fitness.
After a lengthy period of treatment and rehabilitation, Sulemana’s late substitute appearance against Fiorentina represents a significant milestone in his bid to resume his career and make a greater contribution to Atalanta’s season.
