Lookman ready to face Arsenal after injury scare

Nigeria forward Ademola Lookman has revealed his readiness to take on Arsenal in their UEFA Champions League first leg semifinal fixture at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Wednesday.

The La Liga side have been without Lookman for their last two league matches due to injury concerns around the Super Eagles forward.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Soccernet (@soccernet_ng)

However, Lookman, who joined Atletico from Serie A outfit Atalanta, has assured Atlético fans he is fit to face the Gunners in the Champions League contest.

‘Wednesday will be very special game’

“I missed the last few matches, but now I feel much better,” Lookman told a press conference on Monday ahead of the Arsenal game. “The fans have given the team more energy, and we expect the same on Wednesday.

“The first time I played against Arsenal was when I was a kid, with Charlton. Wednesday will be a very special game.”

He added: “Atleti is one of the biggest clubs in the world, with top players who play at a very, very high level.

“The team is amazing, the team is amazing, so it’s a blessing to be here to help the team. The work that’s happened over the last month together has been amazing. It’s been great.”

Lookman joined from Serie A club Atalanta

Lookman suffered the injury scare in the Copa del Rey final against Real Sociedad. In the 62nd minute at Estadio de La Cartuja, Lookman signalled to the bench after feeling a sharp pain in the second half.

Ahead of the Arsenal game, Diego Simeone gave updates on Lookman and Jan Oblak. He said: “Lookman is still not ready for tomorrow’s (Wednesday) match. It was good that we substituted him in the Copa del Rey final.”

The Nigeria international joined Diego Simeone’s side from Serie A club Atalanta in January. Since his arrival, he has been in fine form, registering seven goals and four assists in eighteen appearances across all competitions.