Samuel Chukwueze has sustained a left hip injury that threatens to sideline the AC Milan winger for key European and domestic fixtures, leaving manager Rúben Amorim with mounting squad depth issues on the flanks. Fantacalcio reported that the Nigerian international developed the physical problem following Milan’s 3-2 victory against Atalanta on October 18, 2026, forcing him to miss training sessions at Milanello ahead of European competition.

Specialist Medical Evaluation Ordered at Milanello

The winger sat out the final training session before Milan’s departure to England, prompting concern from the technical staff regarding the severity of the issue. According to Eurosport.it, club officials noted that the discomfort is not a minor inconvenience. Chukwueze was scheduled to undergo specialist medical examinations to establish a definitive diagnosis and clarify his recovery timeline. DAZN noted that the current injury differs from a minor muscular fatigue issue that briefly affected the player’s preparation before an earlier European fixture against Salzburg, prompting club medical staff to exercise greater caution this time.

Bournemouth Europa League Trip and Serie A Fixtures in Jeopardy

The timing of the physical setback deals a difficult blow to Milan’s preparations for the 2026–27 UEFA Europa League campaign. Amorim faces the prospect of deploying a depleted squad for the upcoming match against Bournemouth at Vitality Stadium, scheduled for Thursday, October 22, at 21:00 local time, as reported by Eurosport.it. Beyond the European assignment in England, DAZN highlighted that the player’s availability for domestic action remains in doubt, particularly with an upcoming Serie A away fixture against Udinese scheduled for Sunday, October 25.

Tactical Dilemma and Alternative Options on the Flanks

Amorim must navigate a deepening crisis on the wings within his preferred 3-4-2-1 tactical framework. The Milan manager reported by DAZN is already without Alexis Saelemaekers, who remains sidelined following a severe ankle injury. With Chukwueze unavailable alongside long-term absentees including central defender Matteo Gabbia, the Rossoneri possess limited natural width on the right side. Tactical adjustments under consideration include shifting Diego Moreira from his usual left flank or relying further on Omari Hutchinson, who delivered a strong performance during the European fixture against Salzburg.

The club has not yet released a final prognosis on Chukwueze, with precise rehabilitation timelines dependent on the outcome of the specialist evaluations conducted at Milanello.