Ghanaian winger Kamaldeen Sulemana will miss the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast due to a hamstring injury, according to Southampton manager Russell Martin.
Although Sulemana was named in the Black Stars’ 55-man provisional squad for the tournament, his recent hamstring injury sustained against Bristol City has sidelined him from the competition scheduled from January 13 to February 11.
During a press conference ahead of Southampton’s game against Queens Park Rangers, Martin confirmed Sulemana’s absence, stating, “Kamaldeen won’t be in the squad. I’m sure I’ll chat to Chris (Hughton) about where he is in his fitness.
“He is going to be nowhere near ready for that. He won’t go.”
Martin estimated that Sulemana would likely be fit toward the end of January or the start of February.
“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 Southampton attacker has made 13 appearances this season, contributing three assists but is yet to score his first goal in the Championship.
Sulemana joins Tariq Lamptey as the second player ruled out of the AFCON, with Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi also confirming Lamptey’s unavailability due to injury.
The final 27-man squad for the tournament will be announced on January 3 by head coach Chris Hughton.
Ghana, placed in Group B, is set to face Cape Verde, Egypt, and Mozambique in the upcoming AFCON.
