Atalanta Coach Provides Update on Ademola Lookman Ahead of Clash With Torino
- Ademola Lookman has returned to the Atalanta first team set-up ahead of their Serie A clash against Torino
- It was a troubled summer transfer window for the forward due to his botched transfer to rival club Inter Milan
- He returns to the squad days after they suffered a 4-0 UEFA Champions League loss to French club Paris Saint-Germain
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Atalanta head coach Ivan Juric has disclosed that the embattled Ademola Lookman has returned to the club and is now available for selection as they face Torino in Serie A on Sunday.
The Nigerian international had tendered his transfer request at the club as he was on the verge of joining rivals Inter Milan during the summer transfer window.
Lookman had been at loggerheads with the club over his botched transfer, and the attacking forward was practically away from the team.
Source: Getty Images
Following the close of the transfer window, he was also linked with Turkish club Fenerbahce, but somehow the deal failed to happen.
Lookman has since returned to the Atalanta team, although he had been training alone, away from the rest of the squad.
He recently rejoined first-team training, and the manager has disclosed that the 27-year-old would be available for their game against Torino.
Juric said via Tuttosport:
"Lookman? He spoke to me, his teammates, and the staff. He was welcomed well and will be available tomorrow.
"He doesn’t have full autonomy yet, given that he trained separately for a long time, but he worked very well this week.
"We’ll see, he hasn’t trained much with the group. He remains an important player for us, but I’ll evaluate."
Lookman's return comes days after La Dea suffered a 4-0 loss to French giants Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League, per All Nigeria Soccer.
The forward's availability will provide the head coach with an additional weapon as the side looks to recover momentum in Serie A.
Lookman key to Atalanta
Meanwhile, captain Marten De Roon suggested that the team is focused and players are unbothered about who is not available.
The skipper, however, stated that Lookman remains a key member of the squad and hopes he can be reintegrated as quickly as possible. De Roon said:
“He (Lookman) didn't bother us, I don't want to waste too much time. We're focusing on the team and who's there.
"We're always here, and I think there will always be an opening for Lookman."
Source: Getty Images
Atalanta President confirms fresh start
Legit.ng earlier reported that Atalanta president Antonio Percassi has publicly welcomed Lookman’s return, hinting that the winger could feature in their next Serie A match.
“We know his technical ability, but to play here you have to be 100% focused. When he’s ready, we’ll welcome him back with open arms,” Percassi told reporters.
The Italian club are ready to move on from the summer standoff and rely on Lookman’s attacking quality as they push for a strong league campaign.
Source: Legit.ng
