Atalanta coach to assess Lookman's fitness ahead of potential season debut against Lecce

Atalanta will decide in the coming days whether Ademola Lookman is fit enough to make his first appearance of the season when they face Lecce on Sunday afternoon, according to Italian sports daily La Gazzetta dello Sport. 

Lookman has yet to feature for Atalanta this season, having been sidelined since a fallout with the club in the wake of his failed summer transfer to Inter Milan.

The Nigeria international is due back in Bergamo after featuring in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa, where he played 75 and 90 minutes despite being inactive at club level since May.

Lookman appeared physically fit during international duty, but his lack of match sharpness was evident as he squandered several opportunities he would ordinarily be expected to convert.

His international involvement followed a turbulent few weeks marked by strikes, individual training and long-distance exchanges with the club, a situation that has already led to disciplinary measures from Atalanta.

Upon his return to Zingonia, Lookman will be assessed by Atalanta coach Ivan Jurić and his staff.

There will be no further sanctions, with the focus now firmly on his technical and physical condition after a demanding 16-hour trip from Africa.

Friday's session will provide the first indication of whether Lookman can be integrated immediately into team training and whether he is in contention for selection against Lecce.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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