Lookman: Atalanta coach outlines plans for Super Eagles star after giving him three minutes in two games

Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman is gradually working his way back into Atalanta’s plans after a turbulent summer and a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

The 27-year-old made a brief return to action during La Dea’s 3–0 win over Torino last weekend, but the club’s coach Ivan Juric has now explained why the Nigerian hasn’t been rushed back into the starting XI.

Lookman’s last appearance for Atalanta before his recent cameo was on May 25 against Parma. His attempted switch to Inter Milan during the summer transfer window complicated matters, as Atalanta refused to sanction a move to a domestic rival.

In response, the CAF Player of the Year absconded from first-team training and missed pre-season games, a decision that did not sit well with the club’s hierarchy.

When the transfer window closed, Lookman returned to training but was kept away from the first team as a form of disciplinary action. He later joined Nigeria for their World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa but looked far from his sharpest.

Upon his return to Italy, he was reinstated to first-team training but was left out of matches against Lecce and Paris Saint-Germain. His Torino cameo, just three minutes, marked his first step toward a proper comeback.

Ahead of Atalanta’s Serie A clash with Juventus, coach Ivan Juric shed light on his plans for the Nigerian forward.

“After a period of work apart and with Spring on the cards, we must find the best conditions,” Juric told Tutto Atalanta. “He [Lookman] is training well: we will increase the minutes gradually until we bring him back to full strength.”

Juric wants to avoid any injury setbacks by carefully managing Lookman’s return, ensuring he regains both match fitness and sharpness before becoming a regular fixture again.

Interestingly, despite the summer drama, Atalanta are reportedly considering offering Lookman a new contract, a sign that they still view him as a key asset for their ambitions this season.