Matteo Gabbia, Milan defender born in 1999, suffered a new injury during the match against Sassuolo. After coming off injured just 16 minutes into the match, the coach decided to subject him to a series of instrumental tests. The results showed a lesion to the left thigh flexor muscle, with partial tendon involvement. The player will then undergo a specialist consultation to define the most suitable therapeutic path, which may or may not include a surgical operation.
According to forecasts, Gabbia will have to be out of the field for around three or four months, similar time to that expected for defense coach Saelemaekers. The specialist visit will decide whether conservative therapy is sufficient or whether surgery is necessary. Regardless of treatment, Gabbia's return is only expected in 2027, leaving Milan without a key defensive center for the remainder of 2026.
With Gabbia's passing, Milan's current defensive squad is reduced to Pavlovic, Mario Gila and De Winter, with Tomori reinstated more for reasons of availability than confidence. The young Diawara and Filippo Terracciano could be used as right-wing options in a three-centre formation. The absence of a solid central defender is already putting coach Amorim in difficulty, who will have to face the first half of the season with an already weakened defense.
The situation suggests a possible resumption of the winter transfer market, with the aim of strengthening the defence. Milan could focus on a new signing, such as Gonçalo Inácio from Sporting CP, already the subject of interest in the summer, or look for a free defender. Whatever decision is made, it will be crucial to consolidate the team and ensure a more stable defense for the rest of the season.