Milan fears new surgery for Saelemaekers, ankle uncertainty

Alexis Saelemaekers, Belgian international of Milan, underwent new tests over the weekend and the results indicate that the right ankle has lost stability after the 2024 operation. The club confirmed that the player will seek a specialist assessment to understand whether another surgery is necessary.

Diagnosis and surgical prospects

The examinations showed that the ankle has “lost stability at the site of the previous surgery”, according to Milan. That was for a medial malleolus fracture in September 2024, and now the doctors are deciding the most appropriate therapeutic pathway. The loss of stability was detected following a recent training trauma.

Impact on the Milan squad

The possible operation could entail a long period of absence for the attacking full‑back, already working to regain his place in the team after loans to Bologna and Roma. It is the second physical problem for Milan in a few hours, after Pervis Estupinan's withdrawal from the Ecuador national team due to a left‑knee injury. Coach Ruben Amorim will have to manage the absence of two starters simultaneously.

In the meantime, the press has shown an image of Lecce’s Danilo Veiga challenging Saelemaekers during the Serie A match on 20 September 2026 in Milan. ITALY – SEPTEMBER 20: the scene took place at the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, in Italy, and highlights the player's presence on the field despite the recent issues.

The club has stated that the specialist assessment is still ongoing and that the final decision will be made as soon as all results are available. The Milan side remains awaiting an answer that could affect the tactical lineup for the upcoming matches.

In summary, Saelemaekers' situation adds another level of uncertainty to Milan, which will have to find alternative solutions to cover the right‑side attacking role.