Atalanta will be without Ademola Lookman for their Champions League opener against Paris Saint-Germain, coach Ivan Juric has confirmed. The Nigerian forward has not taken part in any Serie A matches so far this season. He has also been training separately from the first team since the summer, after trying to force a move to Inter Milan. Juric said that Lookman will miss the trip to Paris and that the club wants everyone to focus on the match ahead.
Juric described the situation as difficult and uncomfortable. He praised the contributions Lookman has made to the club and emphasised that the door remains open, but added that the team needs players who are fully committed and ready to perform now. Atalanta captain Marten de Roon said he hopes Lookman returns to full involvement, but stressed that the squad must remain united and focused on the games they do have at their disposal.
Lookman’s absence has already been felt. Atalanta won their recent match against Lecce without him. The 27-year-old forward scored 52 goals in 117 appearances for Atalanta. He played a key role in their Europa League triumph in 2024, including a memorable hat-trick in the final.
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