Milan is facing a delicate situation: defender Matteo Gabbia, playing for the first time this season, suffered a serious injury during the match against Sassuolo. After an attempt to advance mid-field, Gabbia felt a strong pain in the back of his left thigh, falling to the ground and leaving the field on a stretcher. Visibly distressed, the player left the stadium with crutches and tears in his eyes, leaving the Rossoneri club in a position of uncertainty.
Today, Gabbia underwent an MRI to precisely determine the extent of the injury and check for any damage to the tendon. According to initial indications, the injury is serious and may require surgery. If the tendon were involved, the estimated recovery could extend up to three to four months, a period which would coincide with the November break and which could compromise the defender's participation in the eight matches scheduled before the break. The club has already expressed concern about the impact of this absence on Ruben Amorim's project, which intended to exploit the rotation of players in view of the recovery phase.
Furthermore, Milan is going through a moment of defensive fragility. So far he has conceded at least one goal in five of the seven official matches played, including the Europa League, and has also shown difficulties in set-piece situations. The absence of Gabbia, one of the starting defenders, could aggravate this vulnerability and force the coach to review the composition of the defensive wing. The injury comes at a crucial time, as the team needs to consolidate its defensive structure to face the upcoming challenges in Serie A and Europe.
The club has communicated that, once the exams have been completed, the next steps to be taken will be defined. If the MRI confirms damage to the tendon, surgery will be scheduled as soon as possible, with an expected recovery of three to four months. In the meantime, Milan will have to count on other defenders to cover the void left by Gabbia and try to maintain defensive solidity in view of the next matches. The team is preparing to manage this crisis, hoping that the player can return to the pitch as soon as possible and contribute to the club's success in the current competitions.