Atletico Madrid are facing an anxious wait on the fitness of Ademola Lookman ahead of their UEFA Champions League semi-final against Arsenal.

The Nigerian winger is racing against time to be fit after being ruled out of Wednesday’s La Liga clash against Elche CF as a precaution.

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Lookman sustained an adductor injury during Atletico’s Copa del Rey final defeat to Real Sociedad on Saturday, where he was substituted in the 63rd minute.

The club’s medical team has since placed the 28-year-old on an individualised training programme after he reported discomfort following the match.

“Ademola Lookman and Alexander Sørloth finished the Copa del Rey final with discomfort. The club’s medical services have carried out tests that advise maximum caution to avoid the risk of injury,” Atletico said in a statement.

Head coach Diego Simeone remains cautiously optimistic about his forward’s recovery.

“We will see how Sørloth and Lookman recover from this minor injury. Hopefully, they will be fully recovered by Saturday, which is possible according to the doctors,” Simeone said.

With the first leg against Arsenal at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano looming next Wednesday, Atletico will be eager to have Lookman available for a decisive fixture.

Since his move from Atalanta in January, Lookman has been in impressive form, contributing seven goals and four assists in 18 appearances, including a strike in the Copa del Rey final.

Head of Sports at BusinessDay Media, a seasoned Digital Content Producer, and FIFA/CAF Accredited Journalist with over a decade of sports reporting.Has a deep understanding of the Nigerian and global sports landscape and skills in delivering comprehensive and insightful sports content.

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