Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman is likely to miss Atalanta’s UEFA Champions League opener against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday.
The Nigerian player had a difficult summer with the club. He wanted to leave during the transfer window, but Atalanta refused to let him go. Although he stayed, the situation between Lookman and the club is still not resolved.
Lookman did not train with the main team during the summer and even went on strike for most of the pre-season. He only returned to training a week before the Serie A season started, but he has not played any matches since then. He has been training alone, away from his teammates.
Strained relationship with the coach
Last weekend, there were rumours that Lookman would return to the squad for the match against Lecce, as the club was trying to fix their relationship with him. However, he was not included in the team.
Before the match, Atalanta manager Ivan Juric criticised Lookman, saying he was not showing the right attitude or commitment. Even after Atalanta beat Lecce 4–1, the coach continued to speak out against him.
Uncertain future at Atalanta
Atalanta’s next match is a big one — against PSG in the Champions League. But according to Italian football expert Alfredo Pedulla, it is still unclear when Lookman will return to the team.
Pedulla said the 27-year-old winger is still upset that the club refused to sell him in the summer and now no longer feels happy in Bergamo.
He also said it may take a while before Lookman plays for Atalanta again.