Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone has provided an update on Ademola Lookman's injury ahead of the UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg against Arsenal. The Nigerian forward was substituted in the 62nd minute of the Copa del Rey final loss to Real Sociedad due to an adductor issue, raising questions about his fitness.
Lookman's Injury Status
Atletico released a statement confirming that Lookman would train alone to manage injury risk, and he has not featured since. Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Simeone praised Lookman's impact since joining the club.
"Well, the truth is that his arrival has had a very positive impact on the team. He brings something special offensively, and he is working much harder on his defensive duties," Simeone said, as quoted by Into the Calderon.
Availability for Arsenal Clash
When asked if Lookman would be fit to face Arsenal, Simeone added: "We will see if he recovers well by tomorrow, because he was still feeling some discomfort today. So we will see if he can help us tomorrow or not."
Atletico will host Arsenal at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Wednesday in the first leg. Both teams are aiming to gain an early advantage in the tie.
Arsenal's Injury Concerns
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta also provided updates on his squad. Kai Havertz, who scored the goal that helped Arsenal eliminate Sporting CP, is ruled out after an injury against Newcastle United. Eberechi Eze, the match winner from that game, is passed fit and could start in Madrid. Riccardo Calafiori and Bukayo Saka are available, while Jurrien Timber remains sidelined.
Arteta confirmed his plan for the first leg: "That is what we want to do. We have prepared the game to win it. We have to be ourselves and do what we do constantly with our opponents. Then, let us see what the game throws, the level we can show, and hopefully that will be the case."
Lookman's Message to Arsenal
Earlier, Lookman sent a message to Arsenal ahead of the clash, acknowledging them as a tough team but expressing confidence in the Metropolitano crowd to spur Atletico to victory.
