Ghana’s Ibrahim Sulemana faces setback with knee injury weeks after Bologna move

Ghanaian midfielder Ibrahim Sulemana has been dealt a blow early in his Bologna career after sustaining a knee injury while on international duty with the Black Stars.

The 21-year-old, who sealed a transfer from Atalanta to Bologna on the final day of the summer window, is now expected to spend several weeks on the sidelines.

Italian outlet Calciomercato reported that the midfielder suffered the setback during a training session with Ghana’s national team.

Early Assessments Suggest Knee Ligament Damage

Medical checks carried out after the incident indicated damage to the collateral ligaments of Sulemana’s knee. Initial estimates suggest he will require between 30 and 40 days of recovery, meaning Bologna will be without one of their most recent recruits for a crucial part of the early Serie A campaign.

The injury also comes as a disappointment for Ghana, who had called upon Sulemana to strengthen their midfield options in the ongoing international fixtures.

His absence will now force the Black Stars’ technical team to reconsider their midfield structure as they continue preparations for upcoming qualifiers.

A Difficult Start to Life at Bologna

Sulemana’s move to Bologna had been viewed as an opportunity to take the next step in his career. Having developed at Atalanta, where he made limited first-team appearances, the Ghanaian was looking to establish himself in Serie A with regular playing time under Bologna’s setup.

Instead, the setback threatens to delay his adaptation at his new club. Missing up to six weeks could see him sidelined for several league fixtures, potentially slowing his efforts to earn a consistent place in the squad.

Ghana’s Concerns Over Midfield Depth

For the Black Stars, Sulemana’s injury represents another concern in a period where squad depth and fitness have been under scrutiny.

His physicality and ball-winning ability were seen as valuable assets in Ghana’s midfield, particularly in high-intensity qualifiers.

Coach Chris Hughton will now have to rely on alternative options as the national team pushes forward without the young midfielder.

Depending on the pace of his recovery, Sulemana could also face a race against time to be available for Ghana’s next round of competitive fixtures later in the year.

Career on the Rise Despite Setback

Despite this misfortune, Sulemana remains one of Ghana’s promising midfield talents. Known for his energy, pressing, and versatility, the former Atalanta player has shown glimpses of the attributes that make him a potential long-term option for both club and country.

While injuries can prove disruptive, Bologna are expected to monitor his recovery closely, with hopes that the midfielder will return fit and ready to contribute before the season reaches its decisive stages.

Looking Ahead

For now, both Bologna and Ghana will focus on ensuring Sulemana’s rehabilitation is managed carefully to avoid aggravating the knee problem. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining how quickly he can return to training and competitive football.

Although the timing is far from ideal, Sulemana’s age and resilience suggest he still has the opportunity to bounce back strongly once his recovery is complete.