Samuel Chukwueze is expected to miss more than three months after undergoing surgery on a hip injury, according to reports in Italy.
The Milan winger had the operation in London on Wednesday to repair a ruptured tendon in the tensor fasciae latae muscle in his left hip. The club said the procedure was successful.
“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,” Milan said in a statement.
“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.”
Milan have not given a projected recovery period, but several Italian outlets report that the Nigeria international will not be available for at least three months.
Chukwueze was forced off during Milan’s Serie A match against Atalanta on October 18. The club’s medical staff initially chose conservative treatment, but surgery became necessary after a few weeks, extending the winger’s expected rehabilitation.
Corriere dello Sport reports that Chukwueze will be sidelined for a minimum of three months. Other reports, including one from Gazzetta, suggest the absence could be considerably longer and that coach Ruben Amorim may have to manage without him until springtime.
The most pessimistic estimates indicate that Chukwueze could be unavailable for up to five months.
The injury is a setback for a player who had established himself in Milan’s starting line-up after returning from a one-season loan spell at Fulham last summer. He had made eight appearances in all competitions under Amorim, contributing two assists.
