How Samuel Chukwueze’s absence will impact Milan

2

Milan have confirmed that that Samuel Chukwueze has underwent surgery to repair a ruptured tendon in the tensor fasciae latae muscle of his left hip.

The Nigeria international has been away from the pitch ever since being subbed off during the Atalanta game. His recent surgery effectively ends his 2026, with Corriere dello Sport estimating his return window to be around the January-February period.

This is a huge blow for the Rossoneri and Ruben Amorim. The Portuguese manager had found a reliable operator in the 27-year-old for the right-wingback spot, with the two wide wingback roles arguably being the toughest to master and most crucial ones in his 3-4-2-1 formation. Chukwueze, in turn, has found a new lease of life at San Siro, having spent last season on loan at Fulham before Amorim’s arrival.

Milan have lost twice since losing Chukwueze to injury, thought they registered an emphatic 3–1 victory over Inter in their last outing in a statement display of resolve.

In Chukwueze’s absence, Diego Moreira and Omari Hutchinson have been deployed out wide on the right, with the latter also able to play as a wide No. 10 in Amorim’s back-three setup and a right-midfielder in the back-four formation the Portuguese has also been using as a starting shape.

Anshuman Joshi | GIFN