By Nurudeen Obalola
Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze was forced off with an injury on Sunday as AC Milan drew 1-1 with AS Roma at San Siro in what turned out to be Paulo Fonseca’s last match in charge.
The Nigeria international, making his ninth Serie A start of the season, limped off in the 62nd minute and was replaced by England striker with Nigerian heritage Tammy Abraham as Milan’s injury crisis worsened.
Chukwueze suffered a thigh strain and will miss the Supercoppa Italiana clash against Juventus on Friday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, joining Rafael Leao, Christian Pulisic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Noah Okafor and Yunus Musah among others on the lengthy injury list.
The Nigerian winger was distraught as he had to be carried off the field by medical staff, with the suspicion this is a serious thigh strain and he is likely to be out of action for at least a month.
The home draw means Milan are eighth in the table, eight points adrift of fourth spot and the UEFA Champions League places.
It was the last straw for the Milan hierarchy, and Fonseca’s sacking was confirmed on Monday.
“AC Milan announces that Paulo Fonseca has been relieved from his duties as Head Coach of the Men’s First Team,” the club said in an official statement.
“The Club extends its gratitude to Paulo for his great professionalism and wishes him the very best in his future endeavours.”
