Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze is set to return to training at AC Milan next week as he recovers from a hamstring injury sustained in December, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
According to Sempre Milan, the 25-year-old’s recovery is proceeding as planned, with the Nigerian expected to begin light training next week before joining the full squad by month’s end.
The former Villarreal star, who joined Milan for €28m in the summer of 2023, could make his comeback in the Milan derby against Inter at the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 2, which would mark his first appearance under new coach Sergio Conceicao.
Chukwueze has endured a challenging season in Italy, managing three goals and one assist in 22 appearances across all competitions, with most of his contributions coming from the bench due to Christian Pulisic’s impressive form.
His limited playing time has attracted interest from several clubs, with Aston Villa emerging as frontrunners for his signature. The Premier League side’s manager, Unai Emery, is keen to reunite with the winger, under whom he won the 2021 UEFA Europa League at Villarreal.
Arsenal have also expressed interest, with manager Mikel Arteta identifying Chukwueze as a potential replacement for injured England star Bukayo Saka, while Turkish sides Besiktas and Trabzonspor are monitoring his situation.
However, the hamstring injury sustained in the 1-1 draw against Roma on December 29 effectively ended any possibility of a January move, as clubs were reluctant to sign an injured player.
The Nigeria international will now focus on impressing new boss Conceicao, with his future at the San Siro likely to be determined by his playing time in the coming weeks, as Milan reportedly hope to recoup most of their initial investment should they decide to sell in the summer.