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By: Johnny Edward
Super Eagles winger, Samuel Chukwueze, will aim to score his first Europa League goal in four years on Thursday (today) when AC Milan face Stade Rennes at Roazhon Park, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
His last goal in the competition was a match-winner against Sivasspor in a Group I encounter in Turkey in March 2020. The Nigerian winger scored in the 76th minute of the encounter.
Chukwueze, who is set to make his second appearance for the Rossoneri since returning to the club after representing Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations, faces stiff competition from Christian Pulisic for a starting role in the encounter.
The 24-year-old made his debut in the competition coming on as a 79th-minute substitute for Nicola Sansone in Villarreal’s 2-2 draw against Glasgow Rangers in 2018 and has two goals with five assists in 20 Europa League games.He was part of the Yellow Submarine side who made history by beating Manchester United in the 2020/21 Europa League final.
Meanwhile, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli was seen having a one-on-one conversation with Chukwueze, reportedly discussing what he wants from the player ahead of the game.
“Chukwueze has almost become a forgotten name at Milan in recent months,” the daily wrote.
“He had been struggling for minutes in the lead-up to the Africa Cup of Nations and then with Nigeria getting to the final. He started the Serie A defeat against Monza but was not able to impress, with Pulisic doing a much better job when he entered the fray in his place.
“Despite this poor display, he is in line to face Stade Rennes in the Europa League on Thursday night given the first leg was won 3-0 by the Rossoneri and this is the only way Chukwueze is going to click back into a rhythm at Milan to start getting regular minutes.”Chukwueze has made 20 appearances for Milan since he arrived at the Milanello last summer from Villarreal for €20m — plus €8m add-ons for his services.