Lookman Set for Atalanta Return Amid Injury Crisis

Ademola Lookman is edging closer to his first appearance of the season for Atalanta after rejoining first-team training, with the Nigerian forward in contention to feature against Torino on Sunday, Sport360NG reports.

The reigning African Footballer of the Year had been training separately for much of the summer following his unsuccessful attempt to leave the club. Lookman requested a transfer in the last window, but Inter Milan’s bid fell short of Atalanta’s €50m valuation, leaving him sidelined from the main squad for several weeks.

Sky Sport Italia reports that the 27-year-old has now been reintegrated and could be called upon by head coach Ivan Juric, who is facing a growing injury list.

Defender Giorgio Scalvini is set to miss at least two to three weeks after sustaining an adductor problem in Wednesday’s 4-0 Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. He is expected to sit out matches against Torino, Juventus, Club Brugge and Como.

Charles De Ketelaere is also a doubt for the weekend despite scans showing no serious damage after he limped off against PSG. With Gianluca Scamacca, Ederson, Sead Kolasinac and Mitchel Bakker already unavailable, Lookman’s return could not come at a better time for Atalanta.

Club CEO Luca Percassi recently emphasised that Lookman’s reintegration depended on his full commitment to the team. “We all know his qualities, but at Atalanta you must be 100 per cent focused. When he is ready, we are waiting for him with open arms,” Percassi said.

Lookman was a standout performer last season, scoring 20 goals in 41 appearances. His absence has been noticeable during Atalanta’s shaky start to the new campaign, with just one win from their opening four matches.

Captain Marten De Roon also voiced the squad’s support for the Nigerian, noting that “there will always be an opening” for him in the team.

Since joining Atalanta, Lookman has produced 52 goals and 25 assists in 112 games, underlining his value as a key figure in the club’s attack.