Ademola Lookman: Simeone takes decision on Super Eagles star ahead of Elche visit

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has excluded Super Eagles attacker Ademola Lookman from the traveling squad that will face Elche on Wednesday, April 22, Afrik-foot reports.

On Monday, news broke that Lookman was struggling with an adductor problem which he suffered during the Copa del Rey final against Real Sociedad on Saturday.

Recall that he scored the first goal for Atletico Madrid in that game before getting subbed off in the 63rd minute much to the chagrin of many fans.

Consequently, Monday morning, the 28-year-old attacker underwent an MRI scan to ascertain the extent of his issue. But luckily for him, it came out slightly positive, as it was confirmed that the former Atalanta man had not suffered any serious issue. Rather, it was a minor discomfort.

However, in the report that was released by Atletico Madrid, Lookman would have to be excluded from first-team training for some time, pending how fast he can heal naturally.

So, since Monday, the Nigerian international has been working with a personalized training routine to avoid the risk of a serious injury anytime soon.

Nuestros convocados para Elche. pic.twitter.com/U9RV8cI0Vp

— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) April 21, 2026

Sequel to that development, coach Simeone revealed his squad list to face Elche at the Manuel Martinez Valero on Wednesday, and Lookman was conspicuously missing.

Arsenal Face-off Looms: Atletico Need Ademola Lookman Back Quickly

Ademola Lookman failing to make Atletico Madrid’s matchday squad to face Elche is not a surprise and not a new thing. In recent weeks, coach Diego Simeone has been rotating his squad heavily due to the tight fixture schedule.

The Argentine manager knows that he cannot win La Liga anymore, as Barcelona and Real Madrid are at the forefront. They have also almost sealed their place in next season’s UEFA Champions League. As such, he can afford to use fringe players.

However, the major concern for Simeone will be getting Lookman back in time for their crucial UEFA Champions League semifinal clash against Arsenal next week.

The Super Eagles star has been a major outlet for Los Rojiblancos since arriving in January, with a healthy contribution of seven goals and four assist in 17 appearances. If he does not recover in time for the Arsenal game, he will definitely be missed.