Samuel Chukwueze could miss Villarreal’s Europa League final against Manchester United after the club confirmed the winger has suffered muscle damage in his left leg.
The fleet-footed winger was stretched off during the semi-final goalless encounter against Arsenal on Thursday.
Villarreal advanced to the final following a 2-1 aggregate win to set up clash with Ole Gunnar’s men on May 26 in Gdansk, Poland.
The Nigerian international was impressive in the first-leg with his assist to Manu Trigueros’ creating the first goal.
“Medical tests carried out on Samuel Chukwueze have confirmed muscular damage to the quadriceps in his left leg, which he picked up during the second leg of the Uefa Europa League semi-final against Arsenal FC,” the club statement read.
“The recovery time depends on the player’s progress.”
The 21-year-old has been a key part of Unai Emery’s selection this season and he recently rediscovered his goalscoring boots with three goals in his last four La Liga appearances.
After ending his 17-game goal drought in the Spanish top-flight with a brace against Levante on April 18, the Super Eagles star scored Villarreal’s only goal as they fell to a 2-1 loss against Barcelona a week later.
He has contributed five goals and six assists in 39 matches across all competitions this season as he hopes to win his first major title with Villarreal since he joined them in 2018.
