Sassuolo vs Milan: Saelemaekers Out, Estupinan Returns as Amorim Faces Squad Puzzle

FolioPitch.com – 09 October 2026 | MILAN — As AC Milan prepare for Sunday evening’s Serie A clash against Sassuolo at the Mapei Stadium, head coach Ruben Amorim has received a mixed bag of injury news. According to MilanNews, MN Saelemaekers the only absentee as full-back returns ahead of Sassuolo-Milan, with Alexis Saelemaekers set to undergo ankle surgery and miss several months, while Pervis Estupinan has rejoined full training. The Rossoneri had 15 players called up for international duty, the joint-most in Serie A, but all have now returned to Milanello and trained together on Friday afternoon.

The absence of Saelemaekers is a significant blow for Amorim, who has relied on the Belgian’s versatility as both a wing-back and an attacking midfielder. The former Roma loanee provided crucial balance to Milan’s tactical setup, and his four-month layoff forces the coach to rethink his approach. Sky Sport Italia suggests Amorim may deploy a 4-4-1-1 formation against Sassuolo, a shift from his usual 3-4-2-1, to compensate for the loss of Saelemaekers’ dynamism.

Estupinan’s return is a timely boost. The Ecuadorian full-back had been sidelined but is now available for selection, offering Amorim an option on the left flank. His presence could allow Theo Hernandez to push higher up the pitch or provide cover if Amorim opts for a back four. The full-back’s recovery is a silver lining as MN Saelemaekers the only absentee as full-back returns ahead of Sassuolo-Milan highlights the contrasting fortunes within the squad.

Milan’s schedule is grueling: seven matches in 21 days, culminating in the Halloween derby against Inter. Amorim will need to rotate his squad carefully, and the return of international players—many of whom traveled long distances—adds another layer of complexity. The coach must manage fatigue while integrating Estupinan back into the fold and finding a new tactical balance without Saelemaekers.

The Belgian’s injury also raises questions about Milan’s depth in wide areas. With Saelemaekers out, players like Junior Messias, Ante Rebic, and Rafael Leao may be asked to shoulder more responsibility. Alternatively, Amorim could turn to youth prospects or adjust his system to a more narrow midfield. The 4-4-1-1 reportedly being considered would feature two banks of four, with a second striker supporting the main forward, potentially reducing the reliance on traditional wing-backs.

Sassuolo, meanwhile, will look to exploit any disorganization in Milan’s rejigged lineup. The Neroverdi have historically been a tough opponent at the Mapei Stadium, and Milan cannot afford to drop points in the race for a top-four finish. Amorim’s tactical acumen will be tested as he seeks to maintain momentum without a key utility man.

In conclusion, while Estupinan’s return provides a welcome boost, the loss of Saelemaekers for several months is a substantial setback. Amorim must quickly find solutions to keep Milan competitive during a congested fixture list. The match against Sassuolo will offer an early indication of how well the Rossoneri can adapt. As MN Saelemaekers the only absentee as full-back returns ahead of Sassuolo-Milan underscores, the focus now shifts to the players available and the strategies Amorim will employ to navigate this challenging period.