Milan find themselves in a situation of uncertainty for tomorrow's Europa League match against Salzburg, their first European away match after a year and a half of absence. Two official press releases, published recently, announced two serious injuries that are putting the squad of the Rossoneri club to the test.
The first statement, released on Monday, concerns Matteo Gabbia. The defender underwent instrumental tests which highlighted a lesion of the flexor muscle of the left thigh, with partial tendon involvement. The club stated that Gabbia will undergo a specialist consultation to define the most appropriate therapeutic path. According to forecasts, the recovery could extend until January 2027, leaving Milan without one of their first alternatives in defense.
The second statement, published the previous day, refers to Alexis Saelemaekers. The midfielder underwent surgery on his right ankle in Amsterdam. The operation, carried out by Dr. Gino Kerkhoffs with the presence of Dr. Andrea Bulgheroni and the AC Milan medical staff, consisted of an arthroscopic cleaning and stabilization. The surgery was considered perfectly successful, but the player will have to wait until spring to return to the field.
Both injuries have a significant impact on Stefano Pioli's game plan. Gabbia and Saelemaekers were considered among the first alternatives to the starters in the lineup; their absence forces the coach to review the composition of the team and make a virtue of necessity until January. Milan will therefore have to rely on internal resources and, if necessary, intervene on the market to strengthen the squad before the end of the season.
With the match against Salzburg imminent, Milan find themselves having to manage their squad with caution, trying to maintain competitiveness in the Europa League despite the difficulties. The club is awaiting further updates on the recovery of the two players and is preparing to evaluate possible market operations to fill the gaps created by the injuries.