Champions League: Ademola Lookman left out again as Atalanta face PSG

BY favour momodu
September 17, 2025
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Atalanta will begin their 2025/26 UEFA Champions League campaign without Nigeria international Ademola Lookman, who has been left out of the squad to face defending champions Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday night at the Parc des Princes.

Head coach Ivan Juric once again excluded the winger, marking the fourth consecutive competitive fixture Lookman has missed this season.

Reports from Italian outlet TMW indicate that the 26-year-old was among five Atalanta players absent from training on Tuesday, further fuelling concerns about his uncertain future at the club.

Lookman, who was instrumental in Atalanta’s Europa League triumph last season, has not featured for the Bergamo side since the end of the 2024/25 campaign.

Despite attracting interest from clubs across Europe in the summer, a move away from Italy failed to materialise, leaving him in limbo as Juric shapes his squad for the new campaign.

The coach has been firm in his stance, insisting he will not “force” Lookman back into action until the situation is resolved.

His omission from Atalanta’s opening three Serie A fixtures already raised eyebrows, and the continued exclusion in Europe adds another layer of uncertainty.

Lookman’s absence will be felt as Atalanta face a daunting opening clash against PSG, who enter the tournament as reigning champions and favourites to retain the title. Juric will instead rely on the likes of Charles De Ketelaere, Gianluca Scamacca and Teun Koopmeiners to spearhead their attack in Paris.

For the Nigerian international, the latest snub casts further doubt on his immediate future at Atalanta.

Unless the situation changes, he could face a prolonged spell on the sidelines at a crucial stage of his career.