Milan return from the international break with a fitness question on the left, after Pervis Estupiñán missed Ecuador’s Kirin Cup meeting with Panama in Tokyo because of a knee problem.
Estupiñán assessed after Japan match
The Ecuador defender sustained a knock to his knee during the previous match against Japan. Subsequent medical checks identified a knee sprain involving the inner area of the joint, leading Ecuador to leave him out against Panama.
Ecuador’s medical information has already been passed to Milan, whose staff will take over treatment and continue to monitor the player’s condition. His availability will now be assessed ahead of Sunday’s Serie A fixture against Sassuolo.
- Estupiñán did not feature in Ecuador’s match against Panama.
- The incident occurred during Ecuador’s earlier Kirin Cup game with Japan.
- Examinations confirmed a knee sprain with internal involvement.
- Milan’s medical department has received the clinical details and test results.
Gallardo offers reassurance
Ecuador coach Marcelo Gallardo played down fears over the defender’s condition, saying there was “nothing to worry about” and indicating that the injury is not considered serious.
That reassurance will be welcomed at Milanello, although the club must still establish whether Estupiñán can be involved when Sassuolo arrive on Sunday. The coming days will determine whether he can resume work with the group or requires further recovery time.
A regular presence in Milan’s early season
Estupiñán has been a constant in Milan’s opening weeks of the Serie A campaign, appearing in every league match played so far. His possible absence would therefore arrive at a point when he has been heavily involved in the team’s early-season rhythm.
For Milan, the international window has brought an unwanted concern rather than a definitive setback. The immediate task is to manage the knee sprain carefully and understand whether the Ecuadorian can be ready for the next Sunday afternoon in the league.
