AC Milan Handed Major Injury Blow as Pervis Estupinan Ruled Out for Weeks

FolioPitch.com – 06 October 2026 | AC Milan have been dealt a significant setback ahead of their return to Serie A action, as Milan suffer Estupinan blow ahead of Serie A return on October 11. Pervis Estupinan, the club’s marquee summer signing, is set to miss several weeks after sustaining a knee injury while on international duty with Ecuador, according to multiple reports from Calciomercato.com. The 28-year-old wing-back, who joined the Rossoneri from Brighton & Hove Albion in the summer, has been a key figure in Ruben Amorim’s side this season, starting four of Milan’s opening five Serie A matches.

The injury occurred during Ecuador’s preparations for their friendly against Panama, which ended in a 1-1 draw in the early hours of Monday morning European time. Estupinan was notably absent from the matchday squad and had also missed the final training session the day before. Initial assessments suggest a knee sprain, but the full extent of the damage will only be determined after further tests upon his return to Milanello. The club’s medical staff are expected to conduct in-depth examinations to ascertain whether the injury involves ligament damage, which could prolong his absence.

The timing of this injury is particularly unfortunate for Milan, who are entering a crucial phase of their campaign. Milan suffer Estupinan blow ahead of Serie A return on October 11, with the Rossoneri set to host Sassuolo on Sunday at the San Siro. Estupinan is almost certain to miss that fixture, and his availability for the subsequent matches against RB Salzburg in the Europa League on October 15, Atalanta in Serie A on October 18, and AFC Bournemouth on October 22 remains highly doubtful. Amorim will now have to reshuffle his defensive options, potentially turning to academy graduate Davide Bartesaghi or summer arrival Sankhoun Diawara to fill the void on the left side of defence.

Estupinan’s absence is a major blow for a Milan side that has shown promise in the early stages of the 2026-27 season. The Ecuadorian international has brought pace, defensive solidity, and attacking impetus from the left flank, forming a formidable partnership with Rafael Leao. His ability to overlap and deliver quality crosses has been a key weapon in Amorim’s tactical setup, and his absence will undoubtedly reduce Milan’s attacking threat from wide areas. The former Brighton man has also been instrumental in Milan’s defensive organisation, using his experience and positional awareness to snuff out opposition attacks.

Milan suffer Estupinan blow ahead of Serie A return on October 11, and the club’s medical team will be working around the clock to ensure he returns to full fitness as quickly as possible. However, knee injuries can be notoriously unpredictable, and the Rossoneri will be hoping that the sprain is not as severe as initially feared. If Estupinan is ruled out for an extended period, it could force Milan to explore the free agent market or promote from within the youth ranks. The club’s depth in wide defensive areas will be severely tested, especially with a congested fixture list that includes domestic and European commitments.

In the meantime, Amorim will be relying on his squad’s versatility and resilience. Bartesaghi, a product of Milan’s Primavera setup, has shown glimpses of his potential in limited appearances and could be handed a run in the starting XI. Diawara, who arrived in the summer, is another option, having already featured in a back four during Milan’s recent match against Lecce. The 21-year-old Frenchman is comfortable on the left side of defence and possesses the physical attributes to cope with the demands of Serie A. Amorim may also consider shifting to a three-man defence, with Theo Hernandez pushing further forward, though that would require a significant tactical adjustment.

Milan suffer Estupinan blow ahead of Serie A return on October 11, and the news will come as a bitter pill to swallow for the club’s supporters, who had been encouraged by Estupinan’s early performances. The Rossoneri faithful will be hoping that their team can maintain their momentum without one of their key performers. The upcoming fixtures against Sassuolo and Atalanta will be particularly telling, as they will test Milan’s depth and character. A positive result in Estupinan’s absence would send a strong message to their rivals, but anything less could see them lose ground in the race for Champions League qualification.

As the international break draws to a close, Milan’s focus will shift to the visit of Sassuolo. All eyes will be on Amorim’s team selection and how he compensates for the loss of Estupinan. The club’s medical staff will provide an update on the defender‘s condition in the coming days, but early indications suggest that Milan will have to navigate a challenging period without one of their most influential players. The coming weeks will reveal the true extent of Milan’s squad depth and tactical flexibility, as they bid to stay competitive on multiple fronts.

In conclusion, Pervis Estupinan’s knee injury represents a significant hurdle for AC Milan at a critical juncture of the season. While the full diagnosis is pending, the likelihood of a multi-week absence means that Amorim must quickly find a solution on the left flank. Whether it is Bartesaghi, Diawara, or a tactical tweak, Milan’s ability to adapt will be crucial. The Rossoneri have the talent and resilience to cope, but there is no denying that the loss of Estupinan is a major blow to their ambitions. How they respond will define their campaign.