Eljif Elmas
ATA
Serves suspension
Elmas cleared a one-game ban in Sunday's 3-2 defeat versus Inter.
Analysis: Elmas will return against Frosinone and could get the nod over Lazar Samardzic in a different formation. Nicola Zalewski also played more in his absence. He has assisted once and tallied five crosses (three accurate), four chances created and five corners in his five displays (two starts).
Option Sunday
Elmas (undisclosed) is on the bench for Sunday's match against Sassuolo.
Analysis: Elmas is back in the team sheet for the season opener after his transfer to the club, passing all medicals and declared fit for the match. He will be used in a depth role and gives them a new option on the flank, hoping to earn his debut soon and possibly even Sunday.
Fit for Sassuolo contest
Elmas (undisclosed) has made Atalanta's squad list to face Sassuolo on Sunday.
Analysis: Elmas wasn't available to play for RB Leipzig before the transfer but trained regularly after completing the medicals for Atalanta and will provide depth in multiple roles on the wings and in the midfield, competing especially with Lazar Samardzic, Giacomo Raspadori, Charles De Ketelaere and Nicola Zalewski.
Joins Atalanta on loan
Elmas has joined Atalanta on loan with an option to buy from RB Leipzig, per the club's announcement.
Analysis: Elmas returns to familiar territory in Serie A after loan spells at Torino and Napoli the past two seasons, and he's no stranger to success in Italy, having won the Scudetto with Napoli in 2022-23 to go with a Coppa Italia and an Italian Supercup. He's made 361 professional appearances in his career, 189 of them in Serie A, and remains under contract with Leipzig through 2028 even as he continues to bounce around on loan. Internationally, he ranks among North Macedonia's most capped players ever, with 79 appearances and 10 goals for the national team, and Atalanta gets a versatile, experienced piece to add depth across midfield and attack.
Still injured
Elmas (undisclosed) is out for Saturday's DFB Pokal match against Eintracht Trier, according to his club.
Analysis: Elmas is still not fit after missing a friendly a week ago, as the attacker is still dealing with a knock he suffered in training. His possible absence could leave the team with a bit less depth in the attack, although he can recover quickly if it is only a knock. That said, he remains questionable for their season opener.
Not staying at Napoli
Elmas hasn't been bought out by Napoli following his return on loan from RB Leipzig.
Analysis: Elmas wasn't a surefire starter but played a lot thanks to his versatility and a few absences in 2025/2026, scoring once and tallying four assists, 31 chances created and 55 crosses (16 accurate) in 40 appearances (24 starts). Despite that, Napoli elected not to retain him. He'll likely seek a new home in the summer.
Assists in start
Elmas assisted once to go with two shots (one on goal), five crosses (two accurate) and four corners in Sunday's 3-0 win against Pisa. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 53rd minute.
Analysis: Elmas made his return to the lineup and played 59 minutes after seeing restricted minutes in his last five outings. He created two chances during that spell and registered his third league assist after Amir Rrahmani headed home from his corner.
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