Blow for Simeone as Ademola Lookman faces layoff after Atlético’s Copa del Rey final defeat

Super Eagles attacker Ademola Lookman faces some time on the sidelines after suffering an injury in Atletico Madrid’s loss to Real Sociedad in the Spanish Copa del Rey final on Saturday, Afrik-Foot reports.

Lookman has been brilliant for Atletico Madrid since joining from Atalanta in the summer in a €35 million deal. He has become one of Diego Simeone’s most trusted players, featuring in all of Los Rojiblancos’ biggest games since his move.

The Super Eagles star started for Atletico Madrid when they faced Real Sociedad in the final of the Spanish Copa del Rey on Saturday, and he was quite brilliant.

Ademola Lookman and Antoine Griezmann of Atletico Madrid — Ademola Lookman and Antoine Griezmann of Atletico de Madrid celebrate. Copyright: ImagoxGonzalesxPhoto/LucianoxLimax

Lookman scored the equalizer for Atleti after they had conceded an early goal to Ander Barrenetxea. He looked really lively, but he was taken off in the 63rd minute—a decision that initially drew criticism from fans.

Now, according to Spanish outlets, the Super Eagles star was actually forced off because he was struggling physically. In fact, Marca reports that he might have suffered an adductor injury.

As such, he will have to undergo an MRI scan today, Monday, to ascertain the extent of the problem.

Atletico Madrid Could Miss Ademola Lookman

Ademola Lookman has been highly reliable since joining Atletico Madrid. However, an injury at this point would be truly devastating.

Ander Barrenetxea and Ademola Lookman seen during Copa del Rey 2026 final game between teams of Atletico de Madrid and Real Sociedad. — Ander Barrenetxea and Ademola Lookman. Copyright: imagoxMickaelxDucintx mickaelducint_

The Super Eagles star has proven to be key to the club’s attack, and since they are still in contention for the UEFA Champions League trophy, his impact will definitely be missed if his injury is serious.

An adductor injury typically takes up to three months to recover from, by which time the season would have ended. That means the Super Eagles star could potentially miss the rest of the campaign and even Nigeria’s friendly games against Poland and Portugal in June.

Atletico Madrid star Ademola Lookman. Copyright: IMAGO

In the meantime, nonetheless, Atleti will be hoping that their Super Eagles star is fit and ready to go before the campaign concludes.

With the Copa del Rey already lost and a Champions League spot sealed in La Liga with no hope of winning the league title, Atletico Madrid’s only remaining hope for silverware is in the Champions League. They will be hoping that Lookman is fit and ready to contribute to that competition.