The two Villarreal players in contention to replace unfit winger Chukwueze in starting XI vs Man Utd

Published: May 26, 2021

Villarreal winger Samuel Chukwueze has been totally ruled out of Wednesday night's Europa League final against Manchester United having failed a fitness test in the final training session on Tuesday.

Manager Unai Emery confirmed at the post-match press conference that the Nigeria national teamer has not been able to recover in time from the injury he suffered in the second leg of their semifinal clash against Arsenal.

The Spanish press (via UEFA's official website) has narrowed it down to two players that could replace Chukwueze in the starting lineup.

While celebrated sports daily Marca has gone for Yeremi Pino, the newspaper's main rival Diario AS reckons that manager Unai Emery will opt for Moi Gómez, alternating between a fourth midfielder and a third striker.

Chukwueze sang the praises of Yeremi before today's final, picking him as the best young player in this season's Europa League.

The 18-year-old, a Spain youth international, did well when he replaced Chukwueze against Arsenal, but Gomez is more experienced with 183 games under his belt for Villarreal's first team and 16 goals to his name.

Villarreal and Manchester United will face off at the Stadion Miejski in Gdansk, Poland, starting from 2000 hours.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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