Milan winger Saelemaekers faces season‑ending ankle surgery after September sprain
In the early hours of 29 September at Milanello, Alexis Saelemaekers felt a sharp twist in his right ankle during a routine training drill. The Belgian winger’s pain persisted, prompting immediate medical review and ultimately a decision to undergo surgery, a fresh blow to AC Milan’s already troubled campaign.
Injury details and medical assessment
Initial scans on the 29 September sprain showed no bone or ligament damage, but Saelemaekers continued to experience severe pain. Further examinations revealed that the injury had compromised the stability of the site previously operated on in 2024 to treat a medial malleolus fracture.
According to Corriere dello Sport, the specialist assessment concluded that surgery was the most viable option, and the player has already elected to proceed. The club confirmed that the operation will keep him out for more than three months, with a return not expected until the new year.
Impact on Milan’s squad options
Ruben Amorim, AC Milan’s manager, had not yet established Saelemaekers as a regular starter in the opening six Serie A games. The winger had hoped the September break would help him regain his place and earn a Belgium recall, but his hopes are now dashed.
With Saelemaekers unavailable, Amorim’s immediate alternatives include Alphadjo Cisse and Christian Pulisic. Further down the pecking order are Omari Hutchinson, Ruben Loftus‑Cheek, Adrien Rabiot and Diego Moreira, all being considered for the January transfer window.
In a recent match on 20 September, Danilo Veiga of US Lecce contested the ball with Saelemaekers at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, underscoring the winger’s involvement before his injury sidelined him.
AC Milan’s statement highlighted the link between the current trauma and the 2024 operation, noting that the ankle has lost stability at the previous surgical site. The club is awaiting specialist advice to finalise the treatment plan, though reports suggest the decision for surgery is already in place.