Milan Youngster Berkay Karaca Suffers Pre-Season Setback with Foot Fracture

FolioPitch.com – 18 July 2026 | Official Milan youngster Karaca dealt blow with pre-season injury after inclusion in Amorim s squad. The 18-year-old left-back, who joined AC Milan last summer from Schalke, has undergone surgery for a fracture of the fourth metatarsal in his right foot, as confirmed by the club on Tuesday.

The injury comes at a critical time for Karaca, who was included in Ruben Amorim‘s pre-season squad as the new head coach looks to evaluate the club’s youth prospects. With first-team regulars away on international duty and left-back Pervis Estupinan reportedly heading to Aston Villa, Karaca had a golden opportunity to impress. However, his participation has been cut short by the untimely setback.

According to a club statement, the surgery was performed successfully by Dr. Carlo Montoli and his team at Varese, with club doctor Andrea Bulgheroni in attendance. Karaca has since been discharged and has begun his rehabilitation program at Milanello, the club’s training center.

The official Milan youngster Karaca dealt blow with pre-season injury after inclusion in Amorim s squad is a setback not only for the player but also for the coaching staff, who were eager to see him in action. Karaca spent last season with the Milan Futuro project, gaining experience in youth competitions, and his inclusion in the first-team pre-season was seen as a step forward.

Ruben Amorim, who took over as head coach earlier this summer, has been vocal about integrating young talent into the senior setup. Alongside Karaca, other youngsters like Francesco Camarda, Andrej Kostic, and Christian Comotto have been given opportunities to train with the first team. Camarda, in particular, has drawn attention as a highly rated striker, while Kostic and Comotto are also vying for spots.

For Karaca, this injury is particularly disappointing given the circumstances. He joined Milan on a free transfer after his contract with Schalke expired, and he has been working hard to adapt to the club’s system. The left-back position is one of depth for Milan, with Theo Hernandez and Fode Ballo-Toure already established, but the potential departure of Estupinan could have opened a door for Karaca to feature in pre-season friendlies and possibly earn a place in the squad.

While injuries are an unfortunate part of football, the timing could not be worse for the young Turkish defender. However, the club has expressed confidence in his recovery, and the rehabilitation program at Milanello is designed to get him back to full fitness as soon as possible. The medical team will monitor his progress closely, with the aim of having him available for the start of the season or shortly thereafter.

The official Milan youngster Karaca dealt blow with pre-season injury after inclusion in Amorim s squad has also raised questions about the club’s depth at left-back. With Estupinan’s move to Aston Villa imminent and Hernandez potentially needing rest, Amorim may have to rely on other youth players or explore the transfer market for additional cover. For now, the focus remains on Karaca’s recovery, and the club has urged patience as he works through rehabilitation.

The young defender’s determination is not in question. Sources close to the player indicate that he is already mentally focused on returning stronger. The rehabilitation process will involve rest, physiotherapy, and gradual reintegration into training. Given the nature of the fracture, recovery time is typically several weeks, meaning Karaca could miss the majority of pre-season but might be available for the early part of the campaign.

In conclusion, the official Milan youngster Karaca dealt blow with pre-season injury after inclusion in Amorim s squad is a reminder of the fragility of a footballer’s career. While the setback is significant, it does not define the player’s future. With the right support and a strong mentality, Karaca can overcome this hurdle and continue his development at AC Milan. The club’s investment in young talent remains unwavering, and this incident underscores the need for patience and resilience in the journey of a professional athlete.