Samuel Chukwueze Dropped From AC Milan Squad to Face Rennes in Europa League

• Samuel Chukwueze will play no part in AC Milan’s tie versus Rennes
• The Nigerian forward returned late from the Africa Cup of Nations
• Chukwueze helped the Super Eagles win a silver medal at AFCON 2023

Samuel Chukwueze has been ruled out of AC Milan’s UEFA Europa League knockout round play-offs against Rennes at the San Siro after returning to Italy a day before the crunch game.

The 24-year-old winger was part of the Super Eagles team that finished second at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where he has been away for over five weeks representing Nigeria.

According to All Nigeria Soccer, AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli, during his pre-match conference, confirmed Chukwueze will not be in the Rossoneri squad for the Europa League playoff game.

"Making choices and excluding players is always difficult, but it's also true that I know that I have players coming off the bench who can change a game.

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"Chukwueze is back with us now; he won't be in the squad tomorrow, but I hope he's available for Monza."

Chukwueze has made 19 appearances in all competitions for AC Milan this season, has three goal involvements, and is expected to make his comeback against Monza on matchday 25 in Serie A.

Returning Chukwueze gets Milan ovation

Meanwhile, Chukwueze received a hero’s welcome from his AC Milan teammates and coaches on Wednesday on his return from the Africa Cup of Nations, Punch NG reports.

The 24-year-old winger left Milan for international duty with the Super Eagles on January 2 after playing against Cagliari in the Coppa Italia.

Chukwueze played in five of Nigeria's seven games at the AFCON, helping the three-time winners reach the final of Africa’s biggest football competition for the first time in 11 years.

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AC Milan wants Chukwueze in Milan

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Chukwueze's arrival at Nigeria's camp for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations could be delayed as Italian club AC Milan attempts to prolong the Super Eagles winger's release date.

The 24-year-old attacker is scheduled to arrive in Nigeria's camp on January 2, but the Serie A club is in dialogue with the Nigeria Football Federation and CAF to extend his stay beyond that date.

Milan wants Chukwueze to be released on January 3 as they want the winger available for the Copa Italia second-round game.