Ademola Lookman will not make his ninth La Liga appearance on Wednesday evening when Atlético Madrid face Elche CF at the Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero.

Manager Diego Simeone has named a 24-man travelling squad for the trip, with the former African Footballer of the Year omitted from the group.

Lookman has been left out after sustaining a minor adductor injury during the Copa del Rey final against Real Sociedad last weekend.

Addressing the media ahead of the match, Simeone downplayed the severity of the issue, expressing optimism that the forward will be fit in time for Saturday’s clash with Athletic Bilbao.

A key figure for both club and country, the Nigeria international has endured a demanding campaign, making 51 appearances across all competitions and registering 24 goal involvements, comprising 13 goals and 11 assists.

Simeone’s side head into the fixture on the back of a penalty shootout defeat to Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey final, following a 2-2 draw in which Lookman and Julián Álvarez were on target for the Rojiblancos.

Atlético Madrid will now look to return to winning ways when they take on Elche.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel