AC Milan manager, Stefano Pioli has confirmed that Samuel Chukwueze will not feature in the team’s first-leg UEFA Europa League knockout round play-offs against Rennes at the San Siro on Thursday.

Chukwueze, 24, recently returned from international duty, where he represented Nigeria at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

The former Villarreal player started in Nigeria’s final match against Cote d’Ivoire in the Cup of Nations final.

“Making choices and excluding players is always difficult but it’s also true that I know that I have players coming off the bench who can change a game,” Pioli told AC Milan’s official website.

“Chukwueze is back with us now; he won’t be in the squad tomorrow but I hope he’s available for Monza.”