Atlético Madrid are awaiting the results of an MRI scan on Ademola Lookman after the Nigerian forward picked up an adductor injury during the Copa del Rey final on 20 April 2026. The club arranged the scan for Monday to establish the full extent of the damage sustained during what proved to be a punishing fixture for Diego Simeone’s squad.
Lookman had started the match and made an immediate impact, netting the equalising goal in the first half to keep Atlético level before the game ultimately went to penalties. Despite his influential display, he was withdrawn in the 62nd minute, visibly struggling with the injury before his substitution. Atlético eventually fell to a 4-3 defeat on penalties at La Cartuja, ending their Copa del Rey campaign.
Marca reported that Lookman’s injury is considered the most significant concern to emerge from the final, with initial evaluations pointing to an adductor muscle strain. While teammates Marcos Llorente and Alexander Sorloth also sustained knocks during the match, it is the Super Eagles forward‘s condition that has attracted the most attention within the club. The MRI scan is expected to provide a definitive diagnosis and clarify the timeline for any potential recovery.
The timing is particularly concerning for Atlético Madrid given Lookman’s importance to their attack this season. The forward has contributed seven goals and four assists across 18 appearances, establishing himself as a key figure in Simeone’s plans. Prior to his substitution in the final, he had also played a central role in Atlético’s run to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, underlining his value across multiple competitions.
Before joining Atlético Madrid, Lookman spent time at Atalanta, where he memorably scored a hat-trick in the 2023-24 UEFA Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen — a performance that elevated his profile significantly across European football. His subsequent move to the Spanish capital signalled the next step in a career that has seen him become one of Nigeria’s most important attacking players.
For the Super Eagles, the injury will also be monitored closely given upcoming international commitments. Nigeria’s qualification campaign and continental fixtures mean that any extended absence at club level could have broader implications for the national team’s planning.
Atlético Madrid will be hoping the MRI results offer positive news, as losing Lookman for a prolonged period at this stage of the season — with Champions League semi-final action and domestic league fixtures still to navigate — would represent a significant blow to their remaining ambitions. The club has not yet issued a formal timeline for his return, with all decisions expected to follow the outcome of the scan.
