Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman may be ruled out of Atalanta’s crucial Serie A fixture against Roma on Monday night after missing training on Friday due to a reported Achilles tendon issue. The in-form Nigerian international was absent from group training, sparking concerns over his fitness just days before the highly anticipated clash at the Gewiss Stadium.
According to Italian football journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Lookman is currently nursing an inflamed Achilles tendon, a condition that has raised doubts over his availability for the showdown against José Mourinho’s Roma side. The 27-year-old winger is expected to undergo further medical evaluation ahead of the match to determine whether he can be included in Gian Piero Gasperini’s squad.
Lookman’s absence would be a major blow to Atalanta, especially given his consistent contributions in recent weeks. The former RB Leipzig and Leicester City attacker has been a key figure for La Dea, starting in each of their last 10 Serie A matches and netting four goals during that period. Overall this season, the London-born forward has registered 19 goals and seven assists across all competitions, underlining his value to the Bergamo-based outfit.
This is not the first time the player has faced injury concerns this campaign. Earlier in the season, Lookman spent close to three weeks on the sidelines due to a knee problem, which caused him to miss six matches for Atalanta.
Now in his third season with the Italian side, the Nigerian star’s impressive form has not gone unnoticed, with several top clubs reportedly monitoring his situation ahead of the summer transfer window. English Premier League side Arsenal are the latest to be linked with a move for Lookman, as the Gunners look to strengthen their attacking options and potentially fend off interest from other top-flight English rivals.
As Atalanta prepare for what could be a decisive fixture in their push for European qualification, the club and its supporters will be hoping Lookman receives the green light to return to action. However, his involvement will ultimately depend on how he responds to further assessments in the build-up to Monday’s match.
