Atalanta have received a timely boost ahead of their Champions League clash against Club Brugge, with Nigerian winger Ademola Lookman returning to full training on Monday, February 17, Footynaija.com reports.
Lookman had been sidelined with a knee injury sustained just days before a crucial encounter with Barcelona.
The injury forced Lookman to miss six matches including against Barcelona, Torino, Bologna, Verona, Club Brugge and Cagliari.
Atalanta only won one of those games, an away trip to Verona that ended in a 5-0 victory. The Bergamo-based club, however, lost two of those matches, the last of which was a controversial 2-1 loss to Club Brugge in Belgium.
Lookman’s recovery now bolsters Atalanta’s attacking options as Gian Piero Gasperini’s men gear up for the Champions League second leg fixture against the Belgians.
Un solo obiettivo
One thing on our mind #AtalantaBrugge #UCL #GoAtalantaGo ⚫ pic.twitter.com/hV8bgSgtRQ
— Atalanta B.C. (@Atalanta_BC) February 17, 2025
The 26-year-old’s return is also a welcome development for Nigeria’s head coach Eric Chelle, who is monitoring his key players ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
With the Super Eagles set to face Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March, Lookman’s fitness and form could play a pivotal role in Nigeria’s campaign.
Despite his return to training, Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini will assess Lookman’s match readiness before determining his involvement against Brugge.
The Serie A side, aiming to build on their strong season, will benefit greatly if Lookman is deemed fit, given his pace, dribbling ability, and goal threat.