Milan Crisis: Hutchinson Urged to Step Up After Saelemaekers Surgery

FolioPitch.com – 14 October 2026 | AC Milan have been dealt a significant blow with the news that Alexis Saelemaekers will be sidelined for several months following ankle surgery, and reports in Italy have urged summer signing Omari Hutchinson to step up for Milan after Saelemaekers surgery. The Belgian winger underwent an operation in Amsterdam on Tuesday, and while the club has not confirmed an exact return date, estimates suggest he could be out for anywhere between three and five months. The timing could not be worse for new head coach Ruben Amorim, who is still implementing his tactical vision at San Siro.

Saelemaekers had started twice and made two substitute appearances in Serie A before the international break, operating in one of the attacking roles behind the centre-forward in Amorim’s preferred 3-4-2-1 system. Last season, under Massimiliano Allegri, he was regularly deployed as a wing-back, but Amorim has utilised him further forward. His absence leaves a void in the attacking department, and with a busy fixture list ahead, the Rossoneri will need others to fill the gap. Tuttomercatoweb suggests that Milan will now have to rely more heavily on their summer signings, and Hutchinson urged to step up for Milan after Saelemaekers surgery has become a recurring theme in the Italian press.

Omari Hutchinson, who joined Milan on loan from Nottingham Forest with a potential obligation to buy set at €40m, has struggled for minutes so far this season. The Englishman has played just 18 minutes in Serie A and made only one start, which came in the Europa League against Benfica, where he was substituted at half-time in a 2-0 defeat. Despite his limited opportunities, the 23-year-old is highly regarded for his dribbling ability and creativity in the final third. With Saelemaekers out, Hutchinson urged to step up for Milan after Saelemaekers surgery could be the catalyst for him to finally prove his worth.

However, Hutchinson faces stiff competition for a place in the starting XI. Christian Pulisic, Samuel Chukwueze, and Alphadjo Cisse have all earned more minutes than him in the 2026-27 campaign. Diego Moreira, another summer arrival, has been in scintillating form, scoring three goals in his first four Serie A appearances. The Portuguese youngster is expected to become a more regular fixture in the starting line-up, capable of playing as a wing-back on either side or as an attacking winger. His versatility makes him an ideal replacement for Saelemaekers, but it also means Hutchinson must seize any chance that comes his way.

Amorim is known for tinkering with his line-ups, often rotating his attacking players based on form and fitness. That could work in Hutchinson’s favour, as the coach may look to give him more opportunities to showcase his talent. Yet, the pressure is on. The buy option in his contract stands at €40m, and Milan will only trigger it if he proves he can contribute consistently at the highest level. With Saelemaekers out for a significant period, Hutchinson urged to step up for Milan after Saelemaekers surgery is not just a suggestion—it is a necessity for the club’s ambitions this season.

The Rossoneri are competing on multiple fronts, including Serie A and the Europa League, and squad depth will be crucial. Saelemaekers’ injury is a reminder of how quickly a season can be derailed by fitness issues. Milan’s medical staff will monitor his recovery closely, but in the meantime, the onus is on the fit players to deliver. Hutchinson, in particular, has the chance to transform his Milan spell from a bit-part role into a breakthrough campaign. If he can replicate the form that made him a sought-after talent at Nottingham Forest, he could become a key figure under Amorim.

In conclusion, Alexis Saelemaekers’ ankle surgery has opened the door for Omari Hutchinson to finally make his mark at AC Milan. The young Englishman has been urged to step up for Milan after Saelemaekers surgery, and with limited competition for places in the attacking midfield roles, he has a golden opportunity to justify the club’s investment. However, he must overcome the challenge posed by in-form teammates like Diego Moreira and Christian Pulisic. The coming weeks will be defining for Hutchinson’s Milan career, and how he responds could determine whether the Rossoneri make his loan move permanent. For now, all eyes will be on the 23-year-old to see if he can rise to the occasion.