Southampton have been dealt an early blow for this month’s clash with Leeds United.
Winger Kamaldeen Sulemana is set to miss the match between the two potential promotion contenders after picking up a straight red card in Friday night’s 4-1 defeat to Leicester City.
It was another miserable 90 minutes for the Saints, who, before the international break were thumped 5-0 at Sunderland.
Southampton have now conceded 16 goals in their opening six matches under Russell Martin with Sulemana’s late red card having compounded last night’s misery at St. Mary’s.
Sulemana was making his first appearance of the season after recovering from injury but endured a nightmare evening as his loose pass was at fault for Leicester’s fourth goal, before he was then given his marching orders in stoppage time.
Sulemana to miss Southampton vs Leeds
Given the nature of the red card, Sulemana will be forced to sit out Southampton’s next three matches, the third of which is against Leeds at the end of the month.
He will also miss the home clash against Ipswich Town on Tuesday, as well as the away trip to bottom of the table Middlesbrough next weekend.
With that said, however, according to journalist Alfie House, Russell Martin is hoping there is grounds to appeal the dismissal and if successful, he would be back in contention.
Admittedly, the red card was perhaps a little harsh and therefore it would not be a surprise if the decision was overturned.
Sulemana is expected to be a big player for Southampton this season with their £30 million valuation of him having put several interested clubs off signing him in the summer.
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