Atalanta’s head coach Ivan Juric has confirmed that Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman will miss their UEFA Champions League opener against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) scheduled for Wednesday. The decision comes amid ongoing difficulties between Lookman and the club.
Lookman, 27, spent much of the summer on strike, attempting a transfer to Inter Milan that ultimately fell through. Since returning to Atalanta, he has been training separately from the rest of the squad and has not featured in any games this season.
Juric openly criticised Lookman’s commitment and attitude before and after Atalanta’s 4-1 win over Lecce last weekend, stating, “I don’t think he will travel for the PSG game. It’s an unpleasant situation. Lookman has given a lot to Atalanta, and Atalanta has given a lot to him, but we need players who want to play for the shirt and improve.”
Read Also: Victor Osimhen Poised to Lead Galatasaray’s Attack in Champions League Opener Against Frankfurt
The London-born winger rose to prominence with Atalanta in recent years, famously scoring a hat-trick in their 2024 Europa League final victory. However, his relationship with the club soured following his aborted summer moves.
Sports analyst Alfredo Pedulla emphasised that Lookman’s return to first-team action is uncertain and cautioned that his prolonged inactivity might jeopardise his place in Nigeria’s squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
