Big Boost for Eric Chelle: Atalanta coach reveals Lookman's return date ahead of 2026 WCQ

Franco-Malian football tactician Eric Chelle has been handed a major boost before announcing his squad list for next month's 2026 World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe, with Ademola Lookman on the brink of making his comeback from injury.

The reigning African Footballer of the Year has been inactive for Atalanta since aggravating a knee injury while training before the Champions League meeting with Barcelona.

Since then, the 2017 Fifa U20 World Cup winner has not been called up for four straight matches contested by the Nerazzurri.

However, there is light at the end of the tunnel for Lookman, with Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini revealing after his side's 5-0 rout of Hellas Verona that the Nigeria international could make his return from injury within eight days.

Gasperini's comments will be sweet music to the ears of Eric Chelle as he has the forward in his plans for the crucial World Cup qualifiers in March 2025. 

In the worst case scenario, Lookman will be named in the matchday squad on Tuesday, February 18 when Atalanta host Raphael Onyedika's Club Brugge in the second leg of the Champions League knockout phase playoffs. 

In quotes relayed by Goal.com, the Italian manager stated: "Lookman took a strong contusion against Napoli. 

"I don't know if he will play on Wednesday in the Champions League , worst case scenario he will be there on Saturday or Wednesday after."

With four matchdays played, Nigeria find themselves trailing Rwanda, South Africa and the Republic of Benin by four points, leaving them with no room for mistakes in their pursuit of a 2026 World Cup spot.

Lookman has started every 2026 World Cup qualifying match for the Super Eagles except for the 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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