Lookman rejoins Atlético’s group, with Hjulmand next in line

Ademola Lookman has rejoined Atlético Madrid’s group and returned to collective training. Morten Hjulmand is expected to be the next international to return, as the team begins preparing for its match against Deportivo Alavés, scheduled for Saturday, October 10, at Mendizorroza.

With the final week of the international window approaching, Diego Pablo Simeone is beginning to welcome players back. Lookman was the first international to train with the group on Monday, October 5. A few days earlier, Alejandro Grimaldo had also returned to Atlético’s group after being released by the Spanish national team because of discomfort he felt during the warm-up before the match against Croatia.

Lookman was able to resume normal training ahead of the Mendizorroza match after Nigeria’s national team gave him permission to miss its friendly against Russia. For his national team, Éric Chelle had used him as an attacking midfielder rather than as a winger or second striker, the two roles in which he is most effective.

Hjulmand, who played a prominent role for his national team during the break, is the next international expected back. The gradual returns will allow Atlético to continue preparing for the trip to face Alavés.