Di Marzio: Milan duo Bennacer and Chukwueze set for AFCON
AC Milan are going to have their squad altered slightly in the new year by the Africa Cup of Nations which will see Ismael Bennacer and Samuel Chukwueze depart Italy.
As reported by Gianluca Di Marzio, Chukwueze will be responding to the call of Nigeria, whilst Bennacer is going to be representing Algeria despite only just returning from injury.
Milan’s next match is in the Coppa Italia against Cagliari on January 2nd and it certainly would have been ideal for Stefano Pioli to have both Bennacer and Chukwueze available for that match. They could provide a rest to other players before heading to their respective national teams.
Bennacer had said he was happy to leave after the Cagliari match but the Algerian FA has decided to reject the request of Milan and other clubs. They want their players to convene at the start of the year and Bennacer will not be able to play for the Rossoneri against Cagliari.
The story is different for Chukwueze as he is going to be available to Milan until January 3rd, meaning he is almost certainly going to feature against Cagliari. That would allow Pioli to rest Christian Pulisic or Rafael Leao on either wing.
