Nigeria winger Samuel Chukwueze will miss the Super Eagles’ crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches against Tanzania after undergoing surgery to repair a ruptured tendon in his left hip.
AC Milan confirmed on Wednesday that the operation, carried out in London, was successful, but the 26-year-old faces an extended period of rehabilitation before he can return to action.
His absence represents another major setback for Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle, who has already lost striker Victor Osimhen to a knee injury requiring surgery.
The latest development means Nigeria will be without two important attacking players for their November double-header against Tanzania, with both injuries occurring within the space of 24 hours.
In a statement published on the club’s official website, AC Milan provided details of the procedure and confirmed that Chukwueze would return to Italy to begin his recovery.
“AC Milan confirms that Samuel Chukwueze has undergone surgery in London to repair a ruptured tendon of the tensor fasciae latae muscle in his left hip,” the club said. “The operation, performed by Professor Ernest Schilders with Dr Stefano Mazzoni in attendance, was successful. Chukwueze will return to Italy today, where he will begin his rehabilitation.”
The Nigerian sustained the injury during Milan’s Serie A encounter with Atalanta on 18 October and has not featured since.
He subsequently missed matches against Udinese, Inter and Bologna, as well as the Europa League meeting with Bournemouth. Following further medical assessment, Milan’s medical team opted for surgery to address the problem.
The injury also interrupts what had been a promising beginning to the season for Chukwueze, who had been adjusting to a different role as a wing-back under Milan manager Ruben Amorim.
Chukwueze faces lengthy spell on the sidelines
Although AC Milan have not confirmed when the winger will return, reports from Italy indicate that his recovery could take between three and five months.
Italian newspapers Gazzetta dello Sport and Corriere dello Sport have reported that the Nigerian could be unavailable for an extended period, with the most concerning projections suggesting a possible return in the spring.
Even the more optimistic estimates indicate that he could remain out until the end of the year.
That would rule him out of Nigeria’s two matches against Tanzania and leave his participation in the next international window in March uncertain. The Super Eagles are scheduled to face Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau during that period.
For his club, the injury could also prove costly, with Chukwueze potentially missing between 18 and 25 matches, depending on the progress of his rehabilitation.
The priority for Milan is now to ensure that the player makes a complete recovery rather than rushing him back into competitive action.
Nigeria’s attacking options weakened
Chukwueze’s injury comes at a difficult moment for Nigeria, who are preparing for two important matches that could significantly influence their chances of reaching AFCON 2027.
The Super Eagles have collected three points from their opening two qualifying fixtures. They began with a 2-1 victory over Madagascar but suffered an unexpected 3-0 defeat against Guinea-Bissau in their second match.
That loss leaves Chelle with little room for further mistakes as his side prepare to face Tanzania twice in November.
Nigeria will host the first encounter at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, 13 November, before travelling to Dar es Salaam for the return match four days later.
Chelle has already reduced his squad for the two fixtures, but the loss of Chukwueze and Osimhen significantly limits his attacking options.
Both players offer important qualities in the final third, and their absence will require the coach to consider alternative combinations as he prepares for the matches.
Moses Simon and Ademola Lookman remain among Nigeria’s most experienced options in the wide attacking positions. Their involvement could become particularly important as Chelle looks to fill the gap left by Chukwueze on the right side of the attack.
The situation presents a major test of Nigeria’s squad depth, especially with qualification for the 2027 tournament at stake.
Recovery now the priority for Milan winger
Chukwueze, who previously played for Villarreal before spending last season on loan at Fulham, will now concentrate on his rehabilitation in Italy under the supervision of AC Milan’s medical team.
While his absence will be felt by both club and country, the successful operation provides an important first step towards his recovery.
Nigeria, meanwhile, must prepare for their Tanzania fixtures without two of their most prominent attacking figures.
With the Super Eagles needing positive results to strengthen their qualifying campaign, Chelle faces the challenge of finding a winning formula despite the significant injuries to his squad.
The immediate objective will be to secure the necessary results against Tanzania, while hoping Chukwueze and Osimhen can return to action once they have recovered fully.
