Champions League: Chukwueze Named In Milan’s Squad

Nigerian winger, Samuel Chukwueze, has been included in Italian giants, AC Milan’s squad list for the 2023/24 UEFA Champions League group stage.

The Nigeria international made his mark in the Europa League with Spanish side Villarreal and will look to impact Europe’s premier club competition with the Rossoneri,

The Super Eagles winger who joined from Villarreal this summer for a fee of €20m plus €8m in add-ons has already made three appearances in Serie A and has been a part of Milan’s impressive league campaign start.

However, Algerian midfielder Ismael Bennacer has been left out. Coach Stefano Pioli’s decision is due to Bennacer’s injury, and there is hope for his return should Milan advance to the knockout stages.

The exclusion list also features Luka Romero and Marco Pellegrino. In contrast, Milan has included former Fiorentina forward Luka Jovic and Yacine Adli in their squad.

UEFA regulations dictate that each club must have at least four homegrown players, a requirement that Milan has adhered to in their selection.

Recall that Milan reached the semi-finals of the Champions League last season, ultimately losing out to local rivals Inter in the Derby della Madonnina. This time, they face a daunting challenge in a group that includes Paris Saint-Germain, Borussia Dortmund, and Newcastle United.

The Rossoneris will play their first match at home against Newcastle on Tuesday, September 19 before playing Borussia Dortmund away on Wednesday, October 4 and then travel to Germany to play PSG on Wednesday, October 25.

They return home to play PSG on Tuesday, November 7 and host Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday, November 28 before traveling to be guest of Newcastle United on Wednesday, December 13.