UCL: Flick acknowledges Lookman’s absence as a blow for Atalanta

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has acknowledged that Atalanta will feel the absence of their star winger Ademola Lookman in today’s UEFA Champions League clash.

Lookman has been ruled out of the matchday eight fixture due to a knee injury.

Flick admitted that losing a key player is challenging but believes Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini will find a way to adapt.

“Of course, when you lose an important player, it’s not easy. But I think Gasperini knows his team well,” Flick said during a press conference.

“For me, I usually don’t focus on one or two players, but I always look at the team as a whole and its performances,” he added.

Lookman has been a standout performer for Atalanta this season, scoring four goals and providing two assists in six Champions League appearances.