AC Milan Defender Matteo Gabbia Faces Extended Layoff After Scan Reveals Tendon Involvement

FolioPitch.com – 13 October 2026 | AC Milan have received a significant injury blow after an Official Specialist consultation required as Gabbia s scan shows tendon involvement, the club confirmed on Tuesday. The scan results have left the Rossoneri sweating over the defender’s availability for the remainder of the 2026 campaign and potentially beyond.

Matteo Gabbia, who had only just returned to the starting line-up under new head coach Ruben Amorim, suffered the injury during a Serie A clash against Sassuolo at the Mapei Stadium. The 26-year-old centre-back went down in visible agony after a seemingly innocuous duel with Armand Lauriente down the right flank, and it quickly became apparent that the issue was serious. He was stretchered off the pitch, later leaving the stadium on crutches, a sight that immediately raised concerns among the medical staff and supporters alike.

The club’s official statement read: “Matteo Gabbia underwent instrumental tests today that revealed an injury to the flexor muscle of his left thigh, with partial tendon involvement. He will undergo a specialist consultation to define the most appropriate therapeutic course.”

This development confirms the Official Specialist consultation required as Gabbia s scan shows tendon involvement, a phrase that has now become a grim reality for Milan. The partial tendon involvement is particularly worrying, as such injuries often require longer recovery periods and, in some cases, surgical intervention. According to MilanNews, the upcoming specialist visit will determine whether Gabbia needs surgery or whether conservative therapy can be adopted. Either way, the defender’s 2026 season is effectively over, and he is not expected to return until 2027.

The timing could hardly be worse for Amorim, who is still settling into his role at Milanello. The Portuguese tactician had been counting on Gabbia’s experience and versatility as he looks to implement his tactical vision. Instead, he must now navigate a congested fixture list without one of his most reliable defensive options.

Milan are set to play nine games in the space of one month across Serie A, the Coppa Italia, and European competition. With Alexis Saelemaekers also expected to require surgery on an ankle issue, the squad is being stretched to its limits. The Official Specialist consultation required as Gabbia s scan shows tendon involvement has thus compounded an already dire injury situation at the club.

Gabbia’s absence leaves Milan dangerously thin at centre-back. The likes of Fikayo Tomori, Malick Thiaw, and Strahinja Pavlovic will need to shoulder a heavier burden, while young prospects may be called upon earlier than anticipated. Amorim may also consider deploying a back-three system to compensate for the lack of natural centre-backs, though that would require significant tactical adjustment mid-season.

The club’s medical team is understood to be exploring all options. Tendon injuries are notoriously tricky, and rushing a player back can lead to re-injury and long-term complications. Milan’s priority will be Gabbia’s full recovery, even if it means sacrificing his availability for the entire 2026-27 season.

From a broader perspective, this injury raises questions about Milan’s squad depth and transfer strategy. The January window could now become a necessity rather than a luxury, with the club potentially forced to enter the market for defensive reinforcements. However, finding a quality centre-back mid-season is never straightforward, and any new arrival would need time to adapt to Amorim’s methods.

The Official Specialist consultation required as Gabbia s scan shows tendon involvement serves as a stark reminder of the physical toll of modern football. With fixtures piling up and recovery periods shrinking, players are increasingly vulnerable to severe muscle and tendon injuries. Milan’s medical staff will be under immense pressure to manage Gabbia’s rehabilitation effectively while also safeguarding the rest of the squad.

In conclusion, Matteo Gabbia’s injury is a major setback for AC Milan at a critical juncture of the season. The partial tendon involvement means his recovery timeline is uncertain, and the club must now plan for an extended period without him. Amorim’s tactical flexibility and Milan’s squad resilience will be severely tested in the coming weeks. The coming specialist consultation will provide clarity, but one thing is certain: the Rossoneri must adapt quickly to avoid their season unraveling.