AC Milan Hit by Double Injury Blow as Saelemaekers Faces Surgery

AC Milan winger Alexis Saelemaekers could be out for a long time after tests showed his right ankle has become unstable again, and he may need a second operation.

The club confirmed the result after a series of checks over the weekend. The tests showed the joint has "lost stability at the site of the previous surgery," which raises doubts over how much of the season the 27-year-old Belgian can play. 

He had an operation to repair a medial malleolus fracture in September 2024. A final decision has not been made, but the medical view is that going back under the knife is the most likely route. He will see specialists to settle the matter.

The news is a big setback for a player who was only trying to find his place in the squad again. He has made five appearances in all competitions this season, playing 218 minutes and setting up one goal, which came in the Serie A game against Venezia.

It also came just hours after Milan lost another first-team player. Full-back Pervis Estupinan pulled out of the Ecuador squad during the international break because of severe discomfort in his leg. It was later diagnosed as a collateral medial ligament problem in his left knee.

Losing two key defensive and wide options so quickly is a headache for Milan, who are fifth in Serie A on 11 points, just two behind leaders Roma.

Saelemaekers joined Milan from Anderlecht in 2020. He had loan spells at Bologna in 2023-24 and Roma in 2024-25, and has now returned to San Siro. He has scored 13 goals and made 20 assists in 185 appearances for the club.