Southampton forward Kamaldeen Sulemana is set to miss the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament due to a hamstring injury, according to Southampton manager Russel Martin.
The winger is expected to recover towards the end of January, making it unlikely for him to be part of Ghana’s final squad despite being named in the provisional list.
With the tournament commencing on January 13 and concluding on February 11, Sulemana’s recovery timeline falls beyond the competition dates.
The young attacker has faced injury challenges throughout the current season, with his last appearance for Southampton dating back to late November. He has also been absent from the last six Ghana games due to injury issues. He has managed only 13 appearances for Southampton in their promotion bid.
Southampton manager Russel Martin confirmed the news, stating, “Kamaldeen won’t be in the squad. I’m sure I’ll chat to [Ghana coach] Chris [Hughton] about where he is in his fitness.”
“He is going to be nowhere near ready for that. He won’t go.
“Kamaldeen will be fit towards the end of January or the start of February. This could change, I don’t know (for sure),” he added.
The absence of Sulemana adds to the list of players ruled out of the tournament, including Brighton’s Tariq Lamptey, as revealed by Brighton coach Roberto De Zerbi earlier this week.
Sulemana had previously represented the Black Stars at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon last year.