Atlético Madrid are sweating on the fitness of Ademola Lookman ahead of their Champions League semi-final tie against Arsenal.
The Nigerian international was withdrawn in the 62nd minute of the club’s Copa del Rey final defeat against Real Sociedad, undergoing an MRI after a potential injury.
After Madrid confirmed in a statement that he finished the game with discomfort, reports indicated that Lookman is suffering from edema in his adductor muscle, and that raises significant concerns heading into a mammoth game against Arsenal on Wednesday, April 29.
Their talisman now faces a race against time to be fit, but what are the chances that the Nigerian international will feature in the two-legged tie?
First leg start unlikely for Lookman
Lookman is currently training away from the rest of the squad, with Atlético’s statement also confirming that he is following an individual plan devised by the medical department. The 28-year-old is being monitored by the club, who will want to ensure that he is back for their Champions League semi-final tie.
Atleti need all their best players available against an Arsenal side that is currently considered the favourite. Lookman’s absence could very well have an impact on decisions made by sports bettors, who can predict the outcome of the game by using the best betting apps recommended by GOAL.
Because of their European fixture, it is unlikely that Simeone will risk Lookman in their La Liga away fixture against Elche or their home game against Athletic Club, as leaving him out of the squad would provide the forward with the maximum time to recover.
However, even though Lookman is continuing to train, minor adductor injuries reportedly require between three and six weeks for the muscle to heal, which might mean that he is only fit enough to come off the bench in the first leg.
Lookman could start in second leg if recovery goes to plan
The potential six-week recovery time for Lookman is concerning, as there is only a short gap of six days between the first and second Champions League legs. However, the fact that he is training individually will provide some solace for Atlético fans.
Barring an incident in training or in future matches which exacerbates the injury, there is a chance that Lookman will be available to start the return leg at the Emirates on Tuesday, May 5.
The worry for Atlético is whether they will survive without their January signing. Lookman has been a crucial addition to the squad, scoring seven goals in all competitions – and Atleti have a crucial period coming up in both the Champions League and domestically, with the Colchoneros hoping to guarantee qualification for the 2026/27 Champions League by finishing fourth or higher in La Liga.
Who will replace Lookman if he is unavailable?
Having typically played on the left since joining Atlético, Lookman’s replacement will likely be one of three players capable of operating on the flank.
The most likely option is Nicolás González, who came on for the Nigerian in their Copa del Rey loss, and has frequently been used by Simeone across the 2025/26 season.
However, Thiago Almada and Álex Baena might both hope to feature in upcoming games after Lookman’s recent setback.