Samuel Chukwueze injury puts AC Milan’s Bournemouth tie in doubt

Samuel Chukwueze is expected to miss AC Milan’s UEFA Europa League match against Bournemouth after suffering a left hip problem before Thursday’s fixture.

The Nigeria international did not take part in Milan’s final training session at the club’s Milanello training ground on Wednesday, October 21, casting doubt over his availability for the trip to England.

According to Sport247, Chukwueze developed the injury after AC Milan’s 3-2 Serie A win against Atalanta on Sunday, October 18. The winger is due to undergo a specialist medical examination to establish the seriousness of the problem and provide an indication of his likely recovery time.

The assessment is expected to clarify how long Chukwueze may be absent, although no return date has yet been set.

The injury comes as Milan prepare for their third league-phase fixture of the UEFA Europa League season. The Italian club will face Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Thursday, October 22, with Chukwueze’s potential absence limiting their attacking choices on the right side.

Chukwueze has been a regular feature for Milan this season and has continued to receive opportunities under head coach Ruben Amorim. His absence would represent another selection issue for the Italian side as they attempt to manage concerns within the squad.

Milan are already without Belgian winger Alexis Saelemaekers, who is recovering from ankle surgery. Defender Matteo Gabbia also missed Wednesday’s final training session before the Bournemouth match.

The developing injury situation will test Milan’s squad depth for a European away fixture. Chukwueze’s fitness is also being monitored closely in Nigeria, with the Super Eagles keeping track of the condition of key players based abroad.

For now, the immediate priority is for Chukwueze to undergo his medical examination and begin the appropriate recovery programme. The results should offer a clearer indication of whether he will be sidelined beyond Thursday’s match.

AC Milan’s meeting with Bournemouth comes at an important point in their European campaign, but the club will have to prepare for the possibility of doing so without the Nigeria winger.