Alexis Saelemaekers Set for New Ankle Surgery, Out Until 2027 in Major Blow for Milan

FolioPitch.com – 06 October 2026 | AC Milan have been dealt a significant setback as reports indicate that Alexis Saelemaekers is facing new surgery and a long absence, with the timeframe for his return potentially stretching into 2027. The Belgian winger, who initially suffered an ankle injury in training last week, underwent further tests on Monday after his condition failed to improve as hoped. The results revealed that his right ankle, which was operated on in 2024, has lost stability, necessitating another operation.

According to MilanNews, the medical evaluations almost certainly point to Saelemaekers going under the knife again. Corriere dello Sport confirms this, adding that the player himself is pushing for surgery to resolve the issue once and for all. With surgery on the horizon, recovery times are extended. Estimates for this type of operation and the subsequent rehabilitation work range from three to four months. La Gazzetta dello Sport suggests it could be around four months, meaning Saelemaekers will be out until well into 2027, perhaps until mid-February.

This development is a major blow for manager Ruben Amorim, who has relied on Saelemaekers as an important attacking midfield option. The 26-year-old has been a key figure in Milan’s setup, offering creativity and versatility on the flanks. His absence will increase the responsibilities of young talent Alphadjo Cisse and Christian Pulisic, the duo who seem a natural fit as left-sided attacking midfielders. Cisse, in particular, may see more first-team opportunities, while Pulisic will be expected to shoulder more of the creative burden.

It is also possible that Amorim will use Adrien Rabiot in a more advanced role again to cover for Saelemaekers’ absence. This would leave Ardon Jashari, Yunus Musah, and Luka Modric as the three for the double pivot. Ruben Loftus-Cheek is another option, too. The injury thus forces a tactical reshuffle, with Amorim needing to find solutions to maintain Milan’s attacking threat.

The news of Saelemaekers facing new surgery and long absence, with the timeframe for his return extending into 2027, comes as a bitter pill to swallow for the Rossoneri. The club had hoped that the initial injury was not serious, but the latest scans have dashed those hopes. Saelemaekers’ history of ankle problems is concerning, and the decision to undergo surgery again is seen as the best course of action to ensure a full recovery.

Milan’s medical staff will now prepare for the operation, which is expected to take place in the coming days. The rehabilitation process will be lengthy, and the player will be working tirelessly to return to action. However, the timeline means he will miss a significant portion of the current season and possibly the start of the next campaign.

In the meantime, Milan must cope without one of their most dynamic players. The club may also explore the transfer market for reinforcements, but with the window closed, internal solutions are more likely. The onus will be on the likes of Pulisic, Cisse, and Rabiot to step up and fill the void.

This injury also has implications for Saelemaekers’ international career, as he will miss upcoming fixtures for Belgium. The player will be eager to return stronger, but the road to recovery is long and challenging.

As the reports of Saelemaekers facing new surgery and long absence, with the timeframe for his return becoming clearer, Milan fans will be hoping for a speedy recovery. The club’s season could hinge on how well they adapt to his absence.

Conclusion

Alexis Saelemaekers’ impending surgery and extended absence represent a significant challenge for AC Milan. The Belgian’s creativity and work rate will be sorely missed, and manager Ruben Amorim must now find alternative solutions to maintain his team’s competitiveness. While the likes of Pulisic and Cisse offer promise, the loss of such a key player could impact Milan’s ambitions this season. The club and its supporters will be hoping for a successful operation and a swift return to action for Saelemaekers, but the reality is that he may not feature again until 2027. In the meantime, Milan must rally and show their depth to overcome this adversity.