Atalanta’s manager, Gian Piero Gasperini, expresses discontent over the departure of winger Ademola Lookman for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Lookman secured a spot in Nigeria’s 25-man squad for the premier continental football competition, as announced by head coach Jose Peseiro on Friday.
The former Leicester City star is set to make his debut appearance in the tournament, with a potential absence of around a month if Nigeria progresses to the final.
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Gasperini acknowledges the impact of Lookman’s absence on the team’s attacking dynamics but assures that there is a suitable replacement for the player.
“Lookman leaving for the AFCON is a concern, both in terms of numbers and the quality of matches played,” Gasperini stated, as quoted by Tutto Fantacalcio. “It’s evident that we are losing a significant element in our attack, but we have a sufficient number of players to compensate for it.”
The 26-year-old Lookman has contributed six goals and three assists in 17 league appearances for Atalanta this season.