AC Milan are preparing for a lengthy absence for Alexis Saelemaekers after the Belgian suffered a serious right-ankle problem in training at Milanello.
The winger is expected to undergo surgery next week and is likely to be unavailable for around four months, removing him from a substantial part of Milan’s Serie A campaign. Before the operation, he is due in Amsterdam on Monday for a final specialist assessment connected to the planned procedure.
Saelemaekers was not included in Belgium’s squad during the current international window, having sustained the injury at the club’s training ground. The concern is heightened by the fact that the trauma involves the same ankle on which he underwent surgery in 2024 following a fracture of the medial malleolus.
A previous injury becomes a new concern
Further examinations found that the recent training-ground injury had affected the stability of Saelemaekers’ right ankle around the area treated in his previous operation.
Milan said the specialist tests showed that the ankle had lost stability at the site of the earlier surgical work after the latest impact. The club must now plan without the Belgian for much of the winter, with his recovery expected to extend into the next phase of the season.
For a side managing the rhythm of a long championship, the setback is significant not only because of the projected timetable but also because it follows an earlier major problem in the same area.
Estupinan could return against Sassuolo
There is more encouraging news regarding Pervis Estupinan. The defender is recovering from a minor knee sprain and is scheduled to attempt group training on Saturday.
Milan hold cautious confidence that he can rejoin the squad in time for Sunday afternoon’s match against Sassuolo. If his work with the group goes well, Estupinan is expected to be selected for the fixture.
