Atalanta coach confident in Lookman's full recovery after missing Super Eagles' win over Benin

Atalanta coach Ivan Juric has expressed optimism over Ademola Lookman's fitness as the Bergamo club prepare to face Lazio in Serie A.

While Lookman has started three of the four matches played by the Super Eagles since the start of the season, the 27-year-old has found regular playing time hard to come by at Atalanta. 

The reigning African Footballer of the Year was left out of Nigeria's most recent World Cup qualifier against Benin's Cheetahs due to suspension, having accumulated two bookings.

Earlier in the campaign, Lookman was temporarily frozen out of the first team following a disagreement with the club's hierarchy after a proposed move to Inter Milan fell through. 

As a result, he has featured for only 137 minutes out of a possible 720 in all competitions so far this season.

Juric has been carefully monitoring the forward's condition since his return to Bergamo last week following international duty in Uyo. 

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, the Croatian manager revealed that the Nigerian forward, along with teammate Charles De Ketelaere, is close to full recovery following recent training sessions.

"We need to become more clinical in front of goal, and I see improvements in that regard. Sulemana, too," Juric was quoted as saying by Sportal Italia.

"It will also be important to understand the conditions of Lookman and De Ketelaere after recent training sessions. In any case, I’m extremely confident in their full recovery."

Atalanta are one of only two unbeaten teams in Serie A this season, alongside Juventus, but currently sit sixth in the provisional standings with ten points from six matches.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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