Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone addressed the fitness of Ademola Lookman at his pre-match press conference on Tuesday, offering cautious optimism that the Nigerian winger could be available for selection by the weekend.
Lookman picked up an adductor injury during Atletico’s Copa del Rey final loss to Real Sociedad on Saturday. The 27-year-old was withdrawn in the 63rd minute and replaced by Nicolas Gonzalez — marking his first injury setback since completing a high-profile January transfer window move to the Spanish capital.
“Well, we will see how Alex Sorloth and Lookman recover from this minor injury they have had,” Simeone said at Tuesday’s press conference ahead of Wednesday’s La Liga fixture against Elche. “Hopefully, they will be fully recovered by Saturday, which is possible, according to the doctors, who are more knowledgeable.”
Since arriving at Atletico Madrid from Atalanta in January, Lookman has made an immediate and significant impact, registering seven goals and five assists across 18 appearances in all competitions. His overall contribution since joining stands at 12 goals and assists combined, underlining how swiftly he has integrated into Simeone’s demanding tactical setup.
The most memorable moment of his Atletico career to date came earlier this month in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals, when Lookman produced the decisive goal against Barcelona. Sprinting past Jules Kounde, he slotted home the winner that sent Atletico Madrid into the semi-finals — their first appearance at that stage of the competition in nine years.
The injury comes at a sensitive time not only for Atletico but also for the Nigeria national team. Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle will be watching Lookman’s recovery closely as Nigeria prepares for a pair of high-profile international friendlies in June, scheduled against Portugal and Poland. With Lookman having emerged as one of the most in-form African players in European football, his availability will be central to Nigeria’s preparations.
Simeone’s assessment that a return by Saturday is medically possible will offer some reassurance to both club and country, though the Argentine manager’s characteristically cautious framing of the update suggests nothing has been confirmed at this stage. Atletico’s La Liga campaign and their Champions League semi-final ambitions mean the club will be equally keen to manage any risk around the forward’s return to full fitness.
Lookman’s move to Atletico in January represented one of the more significant mid-season transfers involving an African player in recent memory. His performances have gone some way to justifying the billing, and his injury will be tracked with considerable interest across both club football and international circles in the weeks ahead.
