Chukwueze Ruled Out of AFCON Qualifiers After Hip Surgery in London
Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze has been ruled out of November's AFCON qualifying double-header against Tanzania after successful hip surgery in London. AC Milan confirmed the forward underwent an operation to repair a ruptured tensor fasciae latae tendon in his left hip, performed by Professor Ernest Schilders with club doctor Stefano Mazzoni present.
The injury, sustained in October, cuts short Chukwueze's impressive start under new Milan manager Ruben Amorim. He had adapted to a wing-back role, contributing two assists in eight appearances across competitions before missing key fixtures against Udinese, Inter Milan, Bologna, and Bournemouth.
Chukwueze will now return to Italy to begin rehabilitation, with no fixed return timeline—the priority is complete recovery without rushing. His absence leaves Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle short of attacking options for the Tanzania qualifiers, where Nigeria needs maximum points to maintain qualification momentum.
With Chukwueze's versatility as both winger and wing-back sidelined, how should Chelle reconfigure his attack for the must-win Tanzania ties?