Saelemaekers to undergo ankle surgery in four months
Sports Football – Alexis Saelemaekers, winger of the Red Devils and attacking midfielder of AC Milan, suffered a right ankle injury during training at Milanello. The Italian press says he will need to undergo surgery next week and miss about four months.
Operation schedule
The surgery is scheduled for next week, according to information relayed by the Associated Press. After the final medical examination scheduled for Monday in Amsterdam, the player can be declared fit to undergo the operation. Gilles Joinau, editor of the Daily Herald, relayed the information from the Associated Press. The verdict becomes clearer, confirming that the player will no longer be able to take part in the 2026 season.
Consequences and context
This injury affects the same ankle that was operated on in 2024 after a fracture of the medial malleolus. The club released a statement detailing the loss of stability detected in the previously operated area. The verdict becomes clearer, confirming that the player will no longer be able to take part in the 2026 season.
Saelemaekers was not selected by Belgium for the international break, which confirms his unavailability during the recovery period. If the four-month absence is confirmed, the attacking midfielder will miss a significant part of the season. The four-month absence jeopardises his participation in the upcoming league matches.
Since Ruben Amorim's arrival this summer, the player has been fighting to regain a starting spot. This prolonged interruption further complicates his battle to win back his place in the starting eleven.
Pervis Estupiñán, Ecuadorian defender of AC Milan, suffered a slight knee sprain but could resume collective training as early as Friday. If his recovery goes as planned, he could be available for the match against Sassuolo on Sunday afternoon.
Optimism remains measured within the club, even though Estupiñán's return would provide a respite in the face of Saelemaekers' absence. The staff continues to closely monitor the injury's progression and the upcoming examinations.