Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman has been dealt a significant injury setback, with reports suggesting he could face an extended period on the sidelines.
The Atalanta winger is reported to have sustained a left knee injury during Monday’s training session, casting serious doubt on his availability for Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League showdown against Barcelona at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.
The 27-year-old is set to undergo medical examinations on Tuesday to evaluate the extent and severity of the injury.
Will Lookman miss Super Eagles' World Cup qualifiers in March?
According to Tutto Atalanta, Ademola Lookman could be sidelined for up to a month after sustaining a left knee injury during training on Monday.
The extent of the injury will be confirmed following medical tests scheduled on Tuesday, but early reports indicate a significant spell on the sidelines for the Atalanta winger.
Should the report be confirmed, Lookman is set to miss several crucial fixtures. In February, Atalanta will face Torino, Verona, Cagliari, and Empoli in Serie A, in addition to a Coppa Italia quarter-final clash with Bologna.
Furthermore, his potential involvement in the Champions League playoffs would also be in jeopardy.
The Nigeria international's reputation has soared following his match-winning performance in the 2024 UEFA Europa League final, where he scored a hat-trick to lead Atalanta to a memorable victory over Bayer Leverkusen in May 2024.
In the current campaign, Lookman has netted 14 goals and registered six assists in 26 appearances for Gian Piero Gasperini's side.
This injury could also jeopardise the Super Eagles' push for a place at the 2026 World Cup. Nigeria are set to face Rwanda anf Zimbabwe in March, and their tricky position in qualifying means maximum points are imperative.
Without one of their attacking talisman, the Super Eagles face an uphill task.
