October 18, (THEWILL) – Samuel Chukwueze returned from a long-term injury on Sunday evening, coming off the bench in Villarreal’s 2-1 loss to Osasuna in a La Liga match played at the Estadio de la Cerámica.
It was the winger’s first match for club and country since he was stretchered off the pitch against Arsenal in a Europa League semifinal 164 days ago, on May 6, last year at the Emirates Stadium in London.
In the 78th minute, Chukwueze came on to replace Arnaut Danjuma, a Nigerian-born Dutch international, who joined the Yellow Submarines during the previous summer, as THEWILL reported.
Ex-Gunners manager Unai Emery brought on the 2015 U17 World Cup winner to help the Villarreal score a winner, but it was Los Rojillos who snatched all three points thanks to Ezequiel Avila’s 87th-minute strike.
Osasuna took the lead in the 26th minute through Lucas Torró, and Villarreal had to wait until the 56th minute for an equaliser that came through a Gerard Moreno’s volley past Sergio Herrera.
Chukwueze’s return from injury has put him in contention for a spot on the Super Eagles’ roster for the 2022 World Cup qualifiers against Liberia and Cape Verde, which take place next month.
When Villarreal takes on Young Boys on Wednesday, the 22-year-old is expected to make his Champions League debut for the 2021/2022 campaign for Emery’s charges.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
