Alexis Saelemaekers, AC Milan winger, underwent surgery on his right ankle in Amsterdam, after a specialist consultation which highlighted a loss of stability in the joint. The operation, conducted by specialist Gino Kerkhoffs with the presence of doctor Andrea Bulgheroni and physiotherapist Mantovani, was declared a perfect success by the club. The footballer, who had already undergone an operation on the same ankle in 2024, will now have to face a long recovery period, estimated at between four and five months. Milan have communicated that his return to the pitch could take place between February and March 2027, barring any complications.
The injury occurred during a training session on September 29, when Saelemaekers reported pain in his right ankle. Despite initial treatments, the pain persisted, forcing the team to resort to further tests. Arthroscopy confirmed the need for cleaning and stabilization of the joint, a procedure which was successfully performed in the Netherlands.
The loss of Saelemaekers comes at a delicate stage of the season, in which Milan finds itself having to manage several absences. The Belgian winger was considered one of the key figures in the attacking department, and his absence for several months represents a serious blow for the team. Coach Ruben Amorim expressed the need to find alternative solutions to maintain the offensive rhythm, but underlined the importance of a complete recovery for the player.
At the same time, Milan also have to deal with the injury of Matteo Gabbia, who went off on a stretcher during the match against Sassuolo. The tests revealed a lesion of the left thigh flexor, with partial tendon involvement. The defender will undergo a specialist consultation in the next few days to evaluate whether surgery is necessary or whether he can follow conservative therapy. In any case, the expected stop is at least three or four months.
With both absences, Milan finds itself having to reorganize its game strategy. The club has already started negotiations with rival clubs for possible exchanges or loans, in order to fill gaps in key roles. The calendar of the next matches, which includes important matches in both Serie A and the Italian Cup, will test the team's ability to adapt to these difficulties. Milan's immediate future will depend on the speed of Saelemaekers' recovery and the final decision on Gabbia's management, while the club will continue to carefully monitor the situation to ensure maximum performance on the pitch.