Southampton manager Russell Martin has received a welcome boost with the return of Ghanaian winger Kamaldeen Sulemana to the squad for their upcoming English Championship match against Huddersfield Town on Saturday, February 10, 2024.
Sulemana’s return is particularly significant as it comes after he missed the recent 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Ghana due to the same hamstring injury sustained against Bristol City in November 2023. Although named in Ghana’s 55-man provisional squad, his recovery timeline was not fast enough for him to participate in the tournament.
“I think the bench tomorrow is so strong,” Southampton manager Russell Martin said during a press conference. “We have Kamaldeen back in the squad now, which is a really brilliant thing for us. He’s a completely different option to anything else we have.”
Martin praised Sulemana’s work ethic and determination during his recovery period. “He’s excited by the prospect of being back in the team,” the manager stated. “He’s working so hard, training like an absolute beast because he knows that’s what it’s going to take, and the other guys are the same.”
Despite missing the AFCON and facing injury setbacks, Kamaldeen has managed 13 appearances in the Championship this season, contributing 3 assists. His return adds depth and attacking options to the Southampton squad, raising hopes for a positive performance against Huddersfield.