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The Super Eagles star was left on the bench during Atalanta's match against Juventus and has only played three minutes since his return to the squad

Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman is gradually working his way back into Atalanta’s plans after a turbulent summer and a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

The 27-year-old made a brief return to action during La Dea’s 3–0 win over Torino last weekend, but the club’s coach Ivan Juric has now explained why the Nigerian hasn’t been rushed back into the starting XI.

Summer transfer drama and disciplinary setback

Lookman’s last appearance for Atalanta before his recent cameo was on May 25 against Parma. His attempted switch to Inter Milan during the summer transfer window complicated matters, as Atalanta refused to sanction a move to a domestic rival.

In response, the CAF Player of the Year absconded from first-team training and missed pre-season games, a decision that did not sit well with the club’s hierarchy.

When the transfer window closed, Lookman returned to training but was kept away from the first team as a form of disciplinary action. He later joined Nigeria for their World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa but looked far from his sharpest.

Upon his return to Italy, he was reinstated to first-team training but was left out of matches against Lecce and Paris Saint-Germain. His Torino cameo, just three minutes, marked his first step toward a proper comeback.

Juric reveals gradual reintegration plan

Ahead of Atalanta’s Serie A clash with Juventus, coach Ivan Juric shed light on his plans for the Nigerian forward.

“After a period of work apart and with Spring on the cards, we must find the best conditions,” Juric told Tutto Atalanta. “He [Lookman] is training well: we will increase the minutes gradually until we bring him back to full strength.”

Juric wants to avoid any injury setbacks by carefully managing Lookman’s return, ensuring he regains both match fitness and sharpness before becoming a regular fixture again.

Interestingly, despite the summer drama, Atalanta are reportedly considering offering Lookman a new contract, a sign that they still view him as a key asset for their ambitions this season.

Analyscam50:
Nice
I hate two minutes men and don’t want to ever come across them

Analyscam50:
Nice
I hate two minutes men and don’t want to ever come across them

tunjijones:
If lookman like himself, he should find every way possible to leave that club.

Analyscam50:
Nice
I hate two minutes men and don’t want to ever come across them

pharmagba:
Na man you wan do sege you dey find

Na football field we dey talk about o!

Temptation147:
Is Ademola lookman a 2 minutes man or his coach? Because I don't understand what you commented has to do with the topic

FarahAideed:
You definitely need like 4 studs. , one no go fit do u

10billionDollar:
Lookman I repeat don't sign that contract extension

Nazgul:
I've always said that black African players aren't rated in Europe.

Liverpool paid a whopping £79m for Ekitike and are paying him 200k every week.

Can you compare Ekitike's goal scoring form last season to Oshimen or Lookman?

Why should both of them be struggling to get a good club when they've proven themselves over and over again?

If Lookman or Oshimen were to be playing for France or any European country, believe me, they would have been nominated for Ballon d' or.

Analyscam50:
You mean 4 agile boys?
Not the ones that after 15 minutes they’ll start panting like marathon racers

I can take on 6

Omagi:
Interestingly, despite the summer drama, Atalanta are reportedly considering offering Lookman a new contract, a sign that they still view him as a key asset for their ambitions this season.
All I can say is well done sir