Atalanta have suffered a major setback after Ghana winger Kamaldeen Sulemana was diagnosed with a second-degree tear of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) in his left knee.
The 24-year-old is expected to be out for two to three months and will begin his rehabilitation immediately.
Sulemana suffered the injury during a pre-season friendly against Schalke 04. He was forced to leave the pitch just minutes after coming on as a second-half substitute.
Medical tests carried out by Atalanta confirmed the extent of the ligament damage.
The injury comes at a bad time for Sulemana and the Italian club. The Ghana international was hoping to use the pre-season matches to gain more playing time and build his fitness ahead of the new Serie A campaign.
Instead, he now faces a long period on the sidelines as he begins his recovery.
