Samuel Chukwueze returned to AC Milan this summer with his future at the club in doubt, after Milan had been willing to consider selling him. Fulham did not activate their option to sign him permanently after his season-long loan.
The Nigerian winger finished that spell with three goals and four assists in 23 Premier League appearances. Since joining Milan from Villarreal, he had made 70 appearances, scoring eight goals and adding six assists.
Milan’s new coach, Ruben Amorim, changed the picture at his first press conference by saying Chukwueze would stay because the team needs players who can win one-on-one duels.
Chukwueze backed that up in pre-season. He scored an equaliser and set up two more goals in Milan’s 4-2 win over Manchester United on 15 August.
Eight days later, he was named Player of the Match in the 2-1 win at Torino. He assisted Adrien Rabiot’s second goal and created a game-high four chances.
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Chukwueze started four of Milan’s first five Serie A games this season and has two assists in 386 minutes. He also created four chances, the most of any player, in the 2-0 Europa League defeat to Benfica.
That makes the latest news from Milanello worth noting.
According to Tuttomercato Web, Chukwueze did not train with the squad on Wednesday because of slight muscle fatigue. The report says he should still be on Amorim’s list of called-up players.
Italian reports say there is no alarm at the Rossoneri and that he will be called up for the trip to Austria. Milan’s medical staff will assess his condition.
Milan face Salzburg in their second Europa League match on Thursday, 15 October, at the Red Bull Arena. Kick-off is at 6:45 PM local time, which is 5:45 PM in Nigeria.
Milan arrive after Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Sassuolo. Rabiot scored in the 63rd minute and Cas Odenthal equalised five minutes later. Chukwueze had an effort saved by goalkeeper Arijanet Muric soon after.
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The point left Milan with 12 points from six league games. They remain unbeaten, with three wins and three draws.
Salzburg won 1-0 at Levski Sofia in their Europa League opener. They drew 0-0 at GAK in the Austrian league on Sunday.
Matteo Gabbia and Alexis Saelemaekers were absent from Wednesday’s session through injury.
Saelemaekers will be out for several months after ankle surgery. If Chukwueze is unavailable, Italian reports say Diego Moreira is the most likely replacement on the right.
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