Nigeria international Ademola Lookman will be in focus as Atlético Madrid host Barcelona in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final clash at the Metropolitano Stadium on Thursday.
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Lookman, who joined Atlético Madrid earlier this season, is expected to play a key role in Diego Simeone’s tactical setup as the Spanish capital club seek to secure an advantage against an injury-hit Barcelona side in the last-four tie.
Barcelona will be without both of their recognised left wingers, Marcus Rashford and Raphinha, after the duo were ruled out through injury. Raphinha remains sidelined with a thigh strain, while Rashford is nursing a knee problem sustained during Barcelona’s recent La Liga victory over Mallorca.
Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick confirmed the absences on Wednesday, admitting the situation was far from ideal for the Copa del Rey holders.
“Marcus is not able to play. He got a hit, and it’s painful, and we have to take care of him,” Flick said. “It’s not good news, but in the end I always believe in my team.”
The German tactician added that Barcelona would take a cautious approach with Raphinha’s recovery, stressing the importance of managing player fitness during a congested run of fixtures.
With Barcelona expected to reshuffle their attacking options, Simeone’s Atlético side will look to capitalise, and Lookman’s pace, movement and direct attacking style could prove decisive.
The Super Eagles forward impressed in his first match for Athletico Madrid in the Copa Dey Rey last week as he continued his adaptation to to Simeone’s high-intensity demands.
Flick may be forced to deploy Ferran Torres or Dani Olmo out of position on the left wing, while Barcelona are also without Pedri, Gavi and Andreas Christensen due to long-term injuries.
The Copa del Rey semi-final represents another major test for Lookman at club level, as Atlético Madrid aim to edge past one of their fiercest domestic rivals and book a place in the final of Spain’s prestigious cup competition.
The second leg of the tie is scheduled to take place at Barcelona’s home ground next month.
