Gasperini worries as Lookman's AFCON call-up leaves Atalanta on edge

Atalanta's coach, Gian Piero Gasperini, has expressed concern over the temporary loss of Nigerian striker Ademola Lookman, who will be joining the African Cup of Nations (AFCON). This development has put Atalanta in a challenging position as they prepare to cope without one of their key players.

Gasperini shared his worries about Lookman's departure, highlighting the striker's significant contribution to the team's attack. "It worries me that Lookman is leaving for the AFCON. It's clear that we're losing an important element in attack," Gasperini stated, per Sports News Africa.

 The Nigerian striker has made a notable impact in the current season, scoring six goals and providing three assists in 17 Serie A games. His performance has been integral to Atalanta's offensive strategy, making his absence a significant concern for the team.

The departure of Lookman for the AFCON tournament is not just a loss in terms of numbers but also affects the quality of matches played. Despite these concerns, Gasperini remains hopeful, indicating that the team has enough players to compensate for Lookman's absence. 

However, the duration of his absence will depend on Nigeria's performance in the AFCON, hosted in Cote d’Ivoire, which might see Lookman away from club duties for up to a month.

This situation is a test of Atalanta's depth and adaptability as they navigate through the Serie A season without one of their top performers. The team's management and remaining squad will need to step up to fill the void left by Lookman and maintain their competitive edge in the league.