SAINTS winger Kamaldeen Sulemana has been ruled out for the start of the Premier League season, manager Russell Martin has confirmed.

Sulemana, 22, has been ruled out for three to four weeks, meaning he will miss the opening day trip to Newcastle United and their home game against Nottingham Forest.

The Ghana winger was withdrawn during Southampton's pre-season friendly at Oxford United on Wednesday evening and later seen leaving the stadium in a boot.

Kamaldeen's injury leaves Saints in an even weaker position on the wing with depth already an issue at St Mary's.

Sam Edozie and Sam Amo-Ameyaw are the only fit out-and-out wingers ahead of the Premier League season.

Ben Brereton Diaz, Adam Armstrong and Tyler Dibling are also capable of playing on the wing.

Saints have pushed to re-sign Ryan Fraser on loan, while Crystal Palace's Jesurun-Rak Sakyi has been linked with joining.

Martin gave a more positive update on French forward Sekou Mara, who was also withdrawn at Oxford.

He told the Daily Echo: "Kamaldeen is out for three weeks. Sekou will be back on for Wednesday, I would have thought."

Martin has already insisted that Saints have highlighted the wide areas as an area where they need to strengthen this summer.

"I think it is pretty evident and obvious that it is an area we will definitely highlight," he told the Daily Echo when asked about adding more forwards.