Photo: Chukwueze makes milestone appearance in Serie A after AC Milan injury mix-up

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has been handed a timely boost ahead of his side's participation in the Unity Cup and a high profile international friendly against Russia, with key forward Samuel Chukwueze making a surprise return to action for Italian giants AC Milan.

The English version of AC Milan's official website initially reported that Chukwueze would miss the final Serie A fixture (photo below) due to injury.

However, contrary to that statement, Chukwueze did in fact feature in the match, coming off the bench to replace Yunus Musah in the 46th minute as AC Milan defeated Monza 2-0 in the season finale at San Siro.

The club has not yet clarified the discrepancy between the earlier injury report and his subsequent appearance.

The Nigerian international made an immediate impact, playing a key role in the opening goal of the match.

In the 64th minute, Chukwueze delivered a pinpoint cross that Matteo Gabbia headed home to give Milan the lead, and Joao Felix added a second with a sublime free-kick ten minutes later to secure the victory.

The appearance against Monza marked a milestone for Chukwueze, who has now reached 50 Serie A matches since joining AC Milan from Villarreal in the summer of 2023.

In his debut campaign in Italian football, the 2015 Fifa U17 World Cup winner featured 24 times and he improved on that tally this season with 26 appearances.

Chukwueze has contributed four goals and five assists across 1,929 minutes of league action.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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