Ademola Lookman[Credit: Ademola Lookman on (X)]

Atalanta head coach Ivan Juric has again left Nigeria international Ademola Lookman out of his matchday squad — this time for their 2025/26 UEFA Champions League group opener against defending champions Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday night.

Lookman was one of five Atalanta players who missed training on Tuesday before the trip to Paris. Italian outlet TMW reports that Juric has excluded the winger for a fourth consecutive game this season, extending his absence from competitive action since the end of the 2024/25 campaign.

Failed Summer Exit

Lookman’s continued omission stems from a failed summer transfer move. Juric has been vocal about his refusal to rush the Nigerian back into action.

“I will not beg anyone to play,” Juric bluntly declared last week following Lookman’s return from a strong international break with Nigeria.

Atalanta director Luca Percassi backed Juric’s stance, stressing that commitment to the shirt outweighs individual talent.

“We know how important Lookman is for Atalanta, but the club has very basic principles — players must be 100% focused and ready for the cause,” Percassi told DAZN Italia on Sunday.

Despite his reputation as one of Atalanta’s most decisive attackers, Lookman’s future at the club remains uncertain. During the summer, Atalanta insisted on a €50 million price tag for a permanent transfer. Inter Milan’s approach fell short, while Fenerbahce and Galatasaray also failed to complete a deal before the September 12 deadline.

This leaves Lookman in Bergamo at least until the January transfer windo

Injuries Pile Up for Atalanta

Lookman’s absence compounds Atalanta’s injury problems ahead of their Champions League clash. Midfielder Ederson, striker Gianluca Scamacca, and defenders Sead Kolašinac and Mitchel Bakker are also ruled out.

Juric will, however, take encouragement from his side’s first win of the Serie A season a 4-1 demolition of Lecce on Sunday after frustrating draws against Pisa and Parma.

A Super Eagle in Limbo

For Lookman, the contrast could not be starker. Just days ago, the 27-year-old impressed for Nigeria during the international window. Yet back in Italy, his club future remains frozen. With Juric firm on discipline and the board resolute on valuation, the forward is effectively in limbo until January.