Southampton: Winger Kamaldeen Sulemana ruled out for start of Premier League

Southampton winger Kamaldeen Sulemana will miss the start of the Premier League season due to an injury, as confirmed by manager Russell Martin.

The Ghana international is expected to be out for three to four weeks, missing the opening game against Newcastle United and the following home match against Nottingham Forest.

Sulemana sustained the injury during Southampton’s pre-season friendly against Oxford United and was later seen leaving the stadium with a protective boot.

His absence leaves Southampton with limited options on the wing, an area already lacking depth. Currently, only Sam Edozie and Sam Amo-Ameyaw are fully fit wingers, though Ben Brereton Diaz, Adam Armstrong, and Tyler Dibling can also play in wider roles.

The club is actively seeking reinforcements, with a potential loan move for Ryan Fraser and interest in Crystal Palace’s Jesurun Rak-Sakyi being considered.

Manager Russell Martin also provided an update on French forward Sekou Mara, who was substituted during the Oxford match. Martin anticipates Mara will return by Wednesday.

Speaking to the Daily Echo, Martin said: "Kamaldeen will be out for three weeks. Sekou should be back by Wednesday."

Martin emphasized that strengthening the wide areas has been a priority for the team this summer. "It’s clear that we need to address this area," he added when discussing potential new additions.