Atalanta head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has opened up on Ademola Lookman's injury ahead of the club's crucial UEFA Champions League clash against Spanish giants Barcelona.

La Dea will face Hansi Flick's side at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys in the final round of the league phase, hoping to secure automatic qualification to the next round.

The Europa League winners will go into the game without their star man Ademola Lookman, who has been ruled out of the clash due to injury.

According to Italian publication Tutto Atalanta, the reigning African Footballer of the Year sustained a distraction injury to his right knee, impacting the lateral joint area.

Speaking ahead of the encounter, Gasperini described Lookman's absence as unfortunate; he, however, explained that his side will not be playing with a numerical disadvantage.

"We're not going to play with 10 men," Gasperini told Atalanta's media ahead of the clash.

"Of course, it’s unfortunate for both us and Lookman that he won’t be available tomorrow.

"These are top-tier matches, and regardless of the result, they always leave you with something meaningful and provide lessons for the journey ahead.

"We’ll see. As I said earlier, our aim is to bring our best to the pitch," he said.