Atalanta v Liverpool: Ex-Evertonian Lookman walking disciplinary tightrope even without a ball being kicked

Former Everton winger Ademola Lookman is walking a disciplinary tightrope ahead of Atalanta's Europa League quarterfinal clash against Liverpool at Stadio di Bergamo on Thursday evening, allnigeriasoccer.com reports.

The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations star was surprisingly omitted from the starting lineup for the first leg at Anfield and was not utilized off the bench by manager Gian Piero Gasperini.

Lookman risks being banned for a potential semifinal clash against either Benfica or Marseille if he is fielded against Liverpool and receives a caution. 

The 2017 Fifa U20 World Cup winner has already received two yellow cards in Atalanta's group stage games against Sturm Graz and Sporting CP.

According to Article 52, Regulations of the UEFA Europa League, players are suspended for the next competition match after three cautions, which did not result in a red card, as well as following any subsequent odd-numbered caution (fifth, seventh, ninth, etc.).

Lookman knows English football very well as he was born in London and has worn the colours of Charlton Athletic, Everton, Fulham and Leicester City in the past. 

He was teammates with two members of Liverpool's traveling squad to Bergamo, Joe Gomez and Trent Alexander-Arnold, in the England U21 setup before he changed his international allegiance to Nigeria.

Lookman has featured in seven Europa League matches this season, all of which he started, and has netted one goal.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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