Why Samuel Chukwueze could be benched at Salzburg

Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze might be benched for AC Milan’s Europa League clash against RB Salzburg on Thursday.

The 27-year-old has been a regular in coach Rúben Amorim’s starting eleven at Milan this season, featuring in every match the club has played. Amorim converted him into a wing-back, a shift that has earned him more playing time and an integral role in the squad.

On Thursday, the Rossoneri travel to Austria to take on Salzburg in their second Europa League fixture. While Chukwueze would normally be expected to play a central role, his involvement may now be severely limited.

Why Samuel Chukwueze Might Not Start at Salzburg

AC Milan star Samuel Chukwueze. Copyright: xIPAxSport/ABACAxImago

According to reports from Italian outlet Pazzidifanta, Chukwueze is dealing with muscle discomfort and was exempted from training today.

There remains hope that he will be fit enough to make the matchday squad. However, given the muscular issue, he is unlikely to start, both to avoid sub-poor performance and to prevent aggravating the injury.

Chukwueze has proven to be a reliable lieutenant for Amorim this season, offering both defensive stability and a significant goal threat. In his potential absence, Amorim may start Diego Moreira at right wing-back and deploy Pervis Estupiñán on the left.

Samuel Chukwueze and his AC Milan teammates. Photo by IMAGO

Can Chukwueze Replicate His Club Form for the Super Eagles?

Over the years, Chukwueze has been one of those Super Eagles talents who promised much but delivered little.

He was called up for last month’s international break amid high expectations that his fine form under Amorim would translate to the national team.

Nigeria vs. Madagascar during AFCON Qualifiers against Madagascar. Samuel Chukwueze during the Nigeria vs. Madagascar clash in the AFCON Qualifiers — Samuel Chukwueze during the Nigeria vs. Madagascar. Copyright: xSulaimanxPoojaxAdebayox

That really did not happen, as Chukwueze struggled to impress once again, and was completely overshadowed by debutant winger Moses Usor.

Now 27, Chukwueze has accumulated 60 caps for Nigeria, yet it remains difficult to single out even three truly exceptional performances. If he fails to turn things around, he risks losing his spot entirely to rising options like Femi Azeez, Zadok Yohanna, and Usor.