MADRID (AP) – Atletico Madrid may be without striker Ademola Lookman as the team prepares to face Arsenal in the first leg of the Champions League semifinals.
This match marks a crucial opportunity for Atletico to reach the Champions League final for the first time in a decade.
On the other hand, Arsenal anticipates the return of attacking midfielder Eberechi Eze for the pivotal match at the Metropolitano stadium. The two teams are vying for their inaugural Champions League title.
Lookman’s Injury Status
Lookman, who has been instrumental for Atletico since his transfer from Atalanta this year, has missed the last two games due to a muscle issue sustained during the Copa del Rey final on April 19. Although he has participated in recent training sessions, Atletico coach Diego Simeone indicated that Lookman remains uncertain to start.
“We’ll see if he recovers well tomorrow,” Simeone stated on Tuesday, acknowledging that Lookman still experiences some discomfort. The 28-year-old forward has scored seven goals for Atletico, including a key goal in the Champions League quarterfinal against Barcelona, which helped secure Atletico’s advancement with a 3-2 aggregate score.
Simeone’s Confidence
Coach Diego Simeone expressed optimism regarding Lookman’s contributions to the team. “His arrival has made a very positive impact on the team,” Simeone noted. “He brings new things to our attack and has improved significantly in our defensive strategies.”
Lookman himself acknowledged the trust he has received from Simeone, stating, “My all-around game has improved. Definitely, my defensive side of the game has also improved, which has allowed me to be more of a complete player who can help the squad even more.”
Atletico’s Semifinal History
Atletico Madrid is competing in its fourth Champions League semifinal since Simeone took charge in late 2011. The club previously lost finals to Real Madrid in 2014 and 2016. Simeone remarked, “It’s extraordinary that Atletico is in a semifinal again, the fourth in 14 years. We’re playing against a great team, but we’ll go for it.”
He emphasized that the pursuit of the title represents a responsibility rather than pressure, stating, “It’s a huge objective, something the club has never achieved. But it’s a soccer match and, ultimately, it’s the players who decide these games.”
Arsenal’s Injury Updates
Arsenal has confirmed that Kai Havertz will not participate in the match. The Germany international sustained a muscle injury during the first half of Arsenal’s recent Premier League victory over Newcastle. Additionally, Jurrien Timber will also miss the match.
Arsenal’s previous appearance in a Champions League final was in 2006 when they lost to Barcelona. The team was eliminated in last year’s semifinals by eventual champions Paris Saint-Germain.
“What an opportunity and we’re going to grab it with both hands,” Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta declared. “We have shown in Europe at any ground what we are capable of. We have to play with that confidence and that desire.”
Arteta’s Admiration for Simeone
Arteta expressed his admiration for Simeone, describing him as “an absolute role model.” He acknowledged the transformative impact Simeone has had on Atletico over the years, stating, “A lot of the work he’s carried out, he has transformed the club in 15 years. The way he has done it, I have always had admiration for these kinds of people. He is very connected to the club.”