Will Eric Chelle call up a replacement? AC Milan confirm Chukwueze will miss season finale

Super Eagles boss Eric Chelle has a selection dilemma on his hands ahead of Nigeria’s upcoming Unity Cup clash against Ghana and a high-profile June international against Russia, following confirmation that winger Samuel Chukwueze is unavailable for AC Milan's season finale.

Chukwueze was named in the squads for the Unity Cup and the friendly in Moscow despite concerns over his fitness.

The Italian club announced on Saturday via their official website that Chukwueze will miss the final Serie A fixture against Monza due to a pubic bone inflammation — the same issue that sidelined him from the recent match against Roma.

Milan manager Sergio Conceicao has excluded the Nigeria international from the squad, raising fresh concerns over his fitness for national duty.

Eric Chelle must now decide whether to call up a replacement or allow Chukwueze to report to London for further assessment by Super Eagles medical staff.

There is growing speculation that Chukwueze may have played his last match in Rossoneri colours.

The 26-year-old has been linked with a summer exit after a largely underwhelming campaign, in which he started just 11 times in 55 appearances across all competitions.

Premier League side Fulham came close to securing his services in January, but the move fell through as the transfer window closed.

Apart from Fulham, the 2015 Fifa U17 World Cup winner has been linked with clubs in Saudi Arabia and a potential return to La Liga.

Chukwueze joined Milan in the summer of 2023 after a stellar spell at Villarreal, where he registered double figures in both goals and assists in his final season.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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