Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has confirmed that Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman will be sidelined for Saturday’s clash against Athletic Bilbao as he continues his recovery from injury
The 28-year-old picked up the injury during the club’s Copa del Rey final defeat to Real Sociedad last weekend, coming off in the second half after he had already scored in the first.
Lookman has been in fine form since joining Atletico in the winter transfer window and will now miss a second consecutive game, although he is expected to be back ahead of next week’s Champions League meeting with Arsenal.
Los Rojiblancos suffered a 3-2 defeat to Elche in midweek and now welcome Bilbao to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano without their Nigerian forward.
Simeone issues update on Lookman
Speaking ahead of the clash, Simeone confirmed that Lookman remains out of this weekend’s clash and revealed that early intervention in the Copa del Rey final saved the Super Eagles forward from a long-term absence.
“Lookman still has to wait. Luckily, we brought him out at La Cartuja; otherwise, it could have been worse. But oh well… it’s not a big deal”, the Argentine said.
Atletico Madrid now focus on their clash against Bilbao, before the first leg of their Champions League semifinal against Arsenal next week, where Lookman could make a return to action.
