Lookman misses out as Atalanta name squad to face Cagliari, 31 days before international break

Ademola Lookman will not make his comeback from injury on Saturday, February 15 when Atalanta tackle Cagliari in the Italian Serie A.

Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini has named a 23-man squad for the upcoming fixture at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo, excluding the Nigeria international from the list due to fitness issues. 

Lookman has been unavailable for selection since aggravating a knee injury during a training session ahead of the Champions League clash against Barcelona.

The reigning African Footballer of the Year has missed five consecutive matches, against Barcelona and Club Brugge in the Champions League, Torino and Hellas Verona in the Serie A, and Bologna in the Coppa Italia.

Thirty-one days before the first international break of 2025 (17-25 March), Lookman has featured in just six matches this year.

Assuming he does not suffer a relapse, the Nigeria international is expected to be named in the squad for the return leg of Atalanta's UEFA Champions League knockout phase playoff tie against Club Brugge.

Given Atalanta's busy schedule of six matches before the international break, Lookman is not under pressure to regain match fitness ahead of next month's 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Before his spell on the sidelines, the forward was in outstanding form, having contributed to twenty one goals (14 goals, 7 assists) from twenty-seven matches in all competitions. 

Atalanta have faced difficulties in the absence of their Nigerian talisman, securing just one win, alongside two draws and two losses.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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