Saelemaekers' move to Amsterdam: Milan lose a pillar until 2027

Alexis Saelemaekers, 27-year-old midfielder of the Italian club AC Milan, underwent a successful operation on his right ankle joint on Tuesday in Amsterdam, according to the club's official statement. The injury occurred during training during the international break the previous week.

Impact on the Belgian national team

The player, who wears the colours of the Red Devils, was not on the list of Mark van Bommel, the Dutch manager, for Belgium's upcoming Nations League matches. Belgium will face Turkey away on 12 November, then Italy three days later.

Consequences for Milan

Italian media talk about a three-month lay‑off, but the club says rehabilitation might not finish until 2027, which would push Saelemaekers' return well beyond the current season. If the process follows the planned schedule, he could resume training in mid‑February.

Van Bommel urges Bryan Heynen to keep winning mentality for Belgium

This absence is a significant loss for Milan, whose start to the Serie A season has been uneven. Usually deployed on the right, Saelemaekers will have to be replaced by less experienced options, such as youngsters Diego Moreira and Omari Hutchinson, recently integrated into the squad.

During the current season, the Belgian has featured in five matches, four in Serie A and one in the Europa League, and has provided an assist. His tactical role under manager Rúben Amorim was valued for its versatility.

The statement notes that the arthroscopy and stabilization surgery, performed by Dr Gino Kerkhoffs in the presence of Dr Andrea Bulgheroni and Diego Mantovani, members of Milan's medical staff, went smoothly without incident. No exact timeframe has been disclosed regarding the length of his unavailability.