AFCON 2025
Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone has confirmed that Ademola Lookman remains a doubt for the UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg against Arsenal, with the Nigerian forward yet to receive full medical clearance ahead of Wednesday’s decisive encounter.
Lookman suffered the injury during Atlético Madrid’s Copa del Rey final defeat to Real Sociedad, where he was forced off in the second half. Since then, he has missed league fixtures against Elche and Athletic Bilbao, leaving uncertainty over whether he can feature against the Premier League side.
Speaking before the match, Simeone admitted a late decision would be made while highlighting the forward’s growing importance to the team.
“Well, the truth is that his arrival has had a very positive impact on the team. He really does have some differentiating factors offensively. He’s working much better on his defence. We’ll see if he recovers well tomorrow, because he was still feeling some discomfort today. So we’ll see if he can help us tomorrow or not.”
Lookman has quickly become a major attacking weapon since arriving from Atalanta during the winter transfer window. With two goals and two assists in six Champions League appearances, he has already delivered in big moments, including a key strike in the quarter-final tie against Barcelona.
As Atlético prepare to host Arsenal, Simeone knows having Lookman available could significantly improve his side’s chances.
Three Reasons Simeone Will Need Lookman Against Arsenal
1. Atlético Need Direct Pace Against Arsenal’s High Line
Arsenal have built their defensive structure on aggression, pressing high and squeezing space in midfield. While effective, it can leave room behind the back line when opponents break quickly. Lookman’s pace and direct running would give Atlético a natural outlet in transition.
He is the type of forward who can receive the ball in wide areas, drive at defenders and instantly turn defence into attack. Against an Arsenal side expected to dominate possession, that threat could be one of Atlético’s most dangerous weapons.
2. He Offers Individual Brilliance in Tight Games
Champions League semi-finals are often decided by moments rather than long periods of dominance. Atlético know they may not create many clear chances against Arsenal’s organised defence, which makes players capable of producing something special extremely valuable.
Lookman brings unpredictability through dribbling, quick feet and sharp movement around the penalty area. He can create space where none exists, win fouls in dangerous zones or produce a decisive finish. In matches this tense, one flash of quality can shape the entire tie.
3. His Work Rate Fits Simeone’s System
Simeone demands discipline, pressing intensity and sacrifice from attacking players. Lookman has shown he can contribute beyond goals and assists by tracking back, helping defensively and working hard without the ball.
That balance is important against Arsenal, whose full-backs and wingers can overload wide areas. Atlético need attackers willing to defend as much as attack, and Lookman gives Simeone that rare combination. He can hurt Arsenal going forward while also helping contain them when they build attacks.
