Ghana's Kamaldeen Sulemana finally returns from a long knee layoff, coming off the bench as Atalanta draw 2-2 with Fiorentina.
Ghana's Kamaldeen Sulemana is back on the pitch. The winger made his long-awaited return for Atalanta on Thursday night, stepping off the bench in the 84th minute for Nicola Zalewski in a 2-2 Serie A draw with Fiorentina.
It was a cameo, but a meaningful one for the 24-year-old. Sulemana had been out for several months after hurting his left knee in a pre-season friendly against Schalke 04. The problem was diagnosed as a second-degree tear of the medial collateral ligament, and it demanded a lengthy rehabilitation process before he could get back into match action.
His return is timely for Atalanta, who want more attacking options for the rest of the campaign as their European ambitions stay alive. A fit and sharp Sulemana gives the coaching staff another dynamic, direct runner to call on as the fixtures pile up.
Sulemana arrived in Italy from Southampton last summer and made 37 appearances in his first season with the club, finishing with three goals and two assists. Now the focus is on rebuilding match fitness minute by minute and pushing for a bigger role as the season enters its decisive stretch. For the Black Stars fan base, seeing him back in action is a welcome sign.
