Chukwueze to be benched in Champions League despite Serie A heorics

Despite scoring his side's winner against Udinese this weekend, Samuel Chukwueze will not be starting for AC Milan against Club Brugge

AC Milan coach Paulo Fonseca has confirmed that Super Eagles star Samuel Chukwueze will not start in the upcoming Champions League clash against Club Brugge, despite his impressive performance in Serie A over the weekend.

Chukwueze rescues AC Milan in Serie A encounter

Chukwueze's exclusion from the starting lineup comes after a standout performance in Milan’s last Serie A game.

Samuel Chukwueze in action for AC Milan (Credit: Imago)

The Nigerian forward, who scored the winning goal in Milan’s 1-0 victory over Udinese, will make way for other key players as Fonseca looks to rotate his squad for European competition.

The embattled former Villarreal star scored the only goal in a 1-0 victory over Udinese, with a brilliant finish after just 13 minutes.

Samuel Chukwueze in action for AC Milan || Imago

Despite Milan going down to 10 men in the first half, the Rossoneri held firm, with Chukwueze’s goal proving to be the decisive factor.

His goal kept Milan in third place on the Serie A table but did not stop Fonseca’s decision to send him back to the bench for the Champions League clash against Club Brugge.

Fonseca reveals Champions League starting XI

In a press conference ahead of the crucial Champions League game, Fonseca revealed Milan’s entire starting XI, making it clear that Rafael Leao and Fikayo Tomori will return to the lineup after being rested for the Serie A fixture.

Rafael Leao celebrates scoring the winning goal for AC Milan || X

While Chukwueze, who played a crucial role in Milan’s hard-fought win against Udinese, will find himself back on the bench despite his recent heroics.

Speaking ahead of the match against Club Brugge, Fonseca was asked about his team for the game, and he replied, “Mike [Maignan], Emerson, Gabbia, Tomori, Theo; Fofana, Loftus, Tijji [Reijnders], Rafa [Leao], Pulisic, Morata.”

Portuguese coach Paulo Fonseca | Imago

The return of Leao and Tomori suggests that Milan will go with a more familiar setup for the match against Club Brugge, with Chukwueze missing out on a starting spot up front.