The Nigeria international was sent to Munich for an operation on a groin problem and is expected to return soon

Samuel Chukwueze has undergone successful surgery on his groin at a facility in Munich, Germany.

The Nigeria international and Villarreal star aggravated the injury during the Yellow Submarine’s 4-0 triumph at Celta Vigo in a Spanish topflight game – having replaced French midfielder Etienne Capoue in the 66th minute.

Subsequently, he has been out of action for Unai Emery’s team – missing fixtures against Tenerife, Granada, Huesca, Girona, Real Sociedad and Levante.

Meanwhile, the LaLiga side confirmed on Thursday that the 21-year-old’s operation went well alongside teammate Ruben Pena.

“Samuel Chukwueze, who was been out injured receiving treatment for discomfort in his groin, has undergone surgery this morning [Thursday] by Doctor Ulrike Muschaweck in Munich, hoping to definitively relieve him of said pain,” a statement from the club website read.

“Ruben Pena suffered muscle damage to his left hamstring in yesterday’s Copa del Rey quarter-final against Levante.

“Both footballers’ recovery time will depend on how they progress.”

Chukwueze, who has featured in 17 Spanish topflight games in the 2020-21 campaign with a goal to his credit recently became the youngest centurion for the Estadio de la Ceramica side.

The 2015 Fifa U17 World Cup winner reached this hallowed rank having featured for Villarreal in their 4-1 triumph over Zamora in a Copa del Rey encounter on January 5, 2021.At 21 years, seven months and 11 days, he shattered the record set by Argentina international and AC Milan centre back Mateo Musacchio who reached the centenary mark aged 21 years, 11 months and 20 days.

The Super Eagle joined the Spanish side from Diamond Football Academy following his spectacular performance in Chile. There, he helped Emmanuel Amuneke’s boys emerge as winners of the cadet world championship.

In that tournament, he was named third-best player behind Johannes Eggestein and compatriot Victor Osimhen.

Thanks his his fine showing for the club’s reserves in the third tier, he was promoted to the senior team – making his debut in a Europa League game against Rangers – as manager Javi Calleja brought him in as a 79th-minute replacement for Nicola Sansone.

As he steps up his recovery, Chukwueze will miss few games as Emery’s side continues their chase for their first LaLiga title ever.  They are currently fifth in the log after accruing 35 points from 21 games.