Fulham place Chukwueze on standby for tomorrow's game as Chelle eyes Italian wonderkid Akinsanmiro

SUPER Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze appeared to have recovered from his recent calf strain and has resumed training with his clubside Fulham placing him on standby for selection for tomorrow's league game against Wolves.

Chukwueze, 26, suffered a calf strain during Nigeria's recent World Cup qualifier against Benin Republic on October 14, forcing him to limp off injured at half time. Since his return from international duty, he has not played for Marco Silva's side and his absence has coincided with Fulham's poor run of form, as they have not won any matches during this period.

With Nigeria due to feature in a World Cup play-off tournament between November 13 and 18, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has received a welcome boost with Chukwueze's 4return from injury. Fulham manager Marco Silva confirming that the winger has returned to team training and it is almost certain that he will now feature in the play'-offs, starting with a match against Gabon in Rabat on November 13.

Tomorrow, Fulham will face fellow strugglers Wolverhampton Wanderers, who may field Chukwueze's compatriot Tolu Arokodare. Chukwueze has missed crunch games against Arsenal and Newcastle United in the Premier League and he was also absent from the Carabao Cup win at Wycombe Wanderers.

Having rejoined full training this week, Chukwueze’s fitness is being closely monitored, with Mr Silva confirming that a late decision will be made on whether to include him and other players returning from injury in the matchday squad to face Wolves. Since joining Fulham on deadline day, the former Villarreal winger has yet to start a match for the London club, making just three substitute appearances so far.

Fulham and Wolverhampton Wanderers have been in poor form as both sides are without a win from their last five games. Chukwueze will be hoping to change this and earn a starting place in the side in the process as he has only played 63 minutes of football for the Cottagers since joining from AC Milan on loan during the summer transfer window.

Meanwhile, Mr Chelle is rumoured to be considering inviting Serie A midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro for the World Cup play-offs. Italian-born Akinsanmiro, 20, who is currently on loan to Italian side Pisa from Inter Milan,  is ranked among Europe’s top U21 midfielders.

A versatile midfielder, Akinsanmiro has impressed in his debut Serie A season, making six appearances so far and his tactical awareness is said to have made him one of Pisa’s most promising young players. Mr Chelle has apparently watched four of his last games live on television and is expected to monitor him again when Pisa takes on AC Milan this weekend.