Ademola Lookman: Super Eagles star’s status remains shaky ahead of Atalanta’s UCL cracker against Club Brugge

Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman is still a doubt for Atalanta ahead of their clash against Club Brugge in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 playoffs, Soccernet.ng reports.

Lookman did not play for Atalanta in last week's Champions League playoff match against Club Brugge.

The Super Eagles star was sidelined for the fixture due to a knee injury. Although he resumed light training on the pitch some days before, he was not fully fit for the game.

Eventually, Atalanta lost the first leg courtesy of a last-minute penalty goal from Gustaf Nilsson.

After the game, coach Gasperini expressed optimism over his team's chances of staging a comeback in the second leg if Lookman and Sead Kolasinac returned in time.

Lookman was expected to return to the bench for Atalanta's game against Club Brugge on Saturday. However, he was conspicuously missing.

The Super Eagles star is still a doubt ahead of the game against Club Brugge. According to Tuttofantacalcio, Lookman took part in partial training with the rest of his teammates on Sunday. However, he is progressing well and will have to undergo a late fitness test to ascertain his readiness for the game.

Atalanta need Ademola Lookman to spearhead their comeback

Ademola Lookman is Atalanta's joint-highest goalscorer in the Champions League this season. In the first leg of the tie, they had some good opportunities, but they failed to take them.

The 27-year-old attacker has formed a strong connection with Mateo Retegui and Charles De Ketelaere in Atalanta's forward line.

6 games played.
6 goal contributions.

Ademola Lookman is enjoying himself in the Champions League ✨ pic.twitter.com/6DviJMhLOs

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 21, 2025

His pace and trickery on the ball have been important for La Dea. However, his absence up front will reduce their pace in the final third.

Nonetheless, Atalanta will be careful with Lookman's situation to avoid a relapse or complications.