Atalanta Injury Crisis Deepens as Giacomo Raspadori Ruled Out for Three Weeks

FolioPitch.com – 17 October 2026 | Atalanta have been dealt another significant blow in what is rapidly becoming a full-blown injury crisis, as the club confirmed that Italy international Giacomo Raspadori will be sidelined for at least three weeks with a fresh muscular problem. The news means that Atalanta lose Raspadori for three weeks with new injury, a setback that could hardly have come at a worse moment for coach Gian Piero Gasperini and his stretched squad.

The striker sustained the injury during Thursday evening’s 3-1 UEFA Conference League victory over Pafos at the Stadio di Bergamo. Raspadori had just converted a penalty to double Atalanta’s lead when he pulled up with a visible grimace, immediately signalling discomfort. He limped off the pitch and was replaced by Charles De Ketelaere, with the club’s medical staff quickly suspecting a muscular issue.

Medical Tests Confirm Low-Grade Strain

Initial fears centred on a possible relapse of the flexor injury that had already forced Raspadori to miss international duty in September. However, a statement from Atalanta’s medical department on Friday brought a measure of relief, confirming that tests had revealed a low-grade strain of the femoral bicep in the right thigh rather than a more serious tear.

According to calculations from Sky Sport Italia, the 26-year-old forward will be out of action for a minimum of three weeks. That timeline means he is unlikely to feature again before the next international break, and his return could be delayed further depending on how his rehabilitation progresses. The fact that Atalanta lose Raspadori for three weeks with new injury will be keenly felt given his importance to the attacking rotation.

A Growing List of Absentees

The timing could scarcely be more inconvenient. Atalanta are already navigating a daunting injury list that includes key defenders Giorgio Scalvini and Isak Hien, midfield powerhouse Franck Kessie, winger Kamaldeen Sulemana, and defender Odilon Kossounou. To compound matters, Eljif Elmas is suspended for the upcoming Serie A meeting with Milan, leaving Gasperini with precious few options in the final third.

The news that Atalanta lose Raspadori for three weeks with new injury adds further strain to a squad that is being tested on multiple fronts. The Bergamo club are competing in both the Conference League and Serie A, and the depth of the roster will be pushed to its limits over the coming weeks.

Impact on the Season

Raspadori’s absence will force Gasperini to reshuffle his attacking plans. The former Sassuolo and Napoli man has been an important figure in Atalanta’s attacking rotation, offering versatility across the front line and a reliable presence from the penalty spot. His movement and link-up play have been integral to the team’s fluid attacking approach.

In his absence, the burden will fall more heavily on the shoulders of De Ketelaere, Ademola Lookman, and the other available forwards. Gasperini may also be tempted to give opportunities to younger players or adjust his tactical setup to compensate for the loss of a player who offers a different profile to the rest of the attacking options.

The club will be monitoring Raspadori’s recovery closely, with the medical staff hopeful that the low-grade nature of the strain will allow for a relatively swift return. However, given his history of muscular problems, caution will be paramount. The last thing Atalanta need is for Atalanta lose Raspadori for three weeks with new injury to turn into a longer-term absence through premature return.

What Lies Ahead

Atalanta’s immediate focus turns to the Serie A clash with Milan, a match that already looked challenging before the latest injury news. The absence of Raspadori and the suspension of Elmas leave Gasperini with limited attacking options, and the coach will need to find a creative solution to maintain his team’s attacking potency.

Beyond the Milan game, the fixture list offers little respite. The Conference League campaign continues, and the domestic schedule remains demanding. Every point will be crucial as Atalanta look to compete on multiple fronts, and the squad’s resilience will be tested to the full.

Conclusion

The confirmation that Atalanta lose Raspadori for three weeks with new injury is a bitter pill to swallow for a club already dealing with an extensive injury list. While the low-grade nature of the strain offers some encouragement that the forward will return sooner rather than later, the immediate impact is undeniable. Gasperini must now navigate a crucial period without one of his key attacking assets, and the depth of his squad will be scrutinised like never before. Atalanta’s ability to cope with adversity will be a defining theme of their season, and the coming weeks will reveal just how much resilience this group possesses.