Amorim Faces Milan Reshape After Double Injury Blow: Saelemaekers and Estupinan Out

FolioPitch.com – 06 October 2026 | AC Milan‘s season has been thrown into early turmoil, and the latest developments reveal exactly GdS How Amorim plans to reshape Milan after suffering double injury blow. The Rossoneri have lost both first-choice left-sided players in a matter of days, forcing head coach Ruben Amorim to rethink his tactical blueprint ahead of a crucial stretch of fixtures. Alexis Saelemaekers, the Belgian winger-turned-wing-back, has been ruled out for at least four months after his right ankle injury proved far more severe than initially feared. The club confirmed that the ankle lost stability, and surgery is now scheduled for next week. Meanwhile, Pervis Estupinan, the Ecuadorian left-back, suffered a knee sprain while on international duty against Japan, leaving Amorim without his entire left flank in the new 4-2-3-1 system he deployed against Lecce.

The Double Blow That Changes Everything

Saelemaekers’ injury is a particularly bitter pill to swallow. After showing promising signs of recovery, the ankle problem has now been diagnosed as requiring surgical intervention, meaning the 25-year-old will not return until 2027. The club issued an official statement on Tuesday afternoon, explaining that a specialist evaluation had determined the need for surgery. For Amorim, who had been molding Saelemaekers into a dynamic left wing-back, the loss is a significant setback. The Belgian had been a key outlet in the new formation, offering width, energy, and defensive diligence.

Estupinan’s situation is equally concerning. The Ecuadorian federation released a statement early this afternoon: “A knee injury occurred during the match against Japan. Subsequent imaging tests revealed a knee sprain with internal discomfort.” He is definitely out for Sunday’s match against Sassuolo, and further assessments will determine the full extent of the damage. With both left-sided options unavailable, Amorim must now find immediate solutions.

Immediate Replacements: Bartesaghi and Moreira

For the left-back role, the obvious choice is Davide Bartesaghi. The young Italian has impressed with the Italy U21 side in recent days and appears ready for a bigger role. Amorim is unlikely to experiment with makeshift options such as moving Strahinja Pavlovic to the flank or thrusting the inexperienced Sankhoun Diawara into the deep end. Instead, Bartesaghi is expected to step in as a natural fit.

On the left wing, Diego Moreira is the frontrunner to replace Saelemaekers. The Portuguese winger has been in excellent form, scoring three goals in Serie A and earning starts for Belgium. His direct running and goal threat make him an attractive option, but his inclusion raises tactical questions. Can Milan sustain the simultaneous presence of a centre-forward (Ramos), two attacking wing-backs (Chukwueze and Moreira), an attacking midfielder/second striker (Pulisic), and a lightweight midfielder like Modric from kick-off? The balance of the team could be compromised, especially in Serie A where tactical discipline is paramount.

Alternative Tactical Scenarios

Amorim is considering several alternatives. One aggressive option is to field the young talent Cisse instead of Moreira or Chukwueze, injecting pace and unpredictability. However, Italian football demands balance, and it would not be surprising to see a more conservative setup with Rabiot wide on the left and Jashari or Musah in midfield. Another idea is a return to a fixed 3-4-2-1 formation, with Bartesaghi on the flank and Loftus-Cheek in the attacking midfield role. These are all ideas Amorim will work on this week leading up to Sassuolo vs. Milan on Sunday.

As GdS How Amorim plans to reshape Milan after suffering double injury blow continues to unfold, the coach’s adaptability will be tested. The game at the MAPEI Stadium is the first in a run of seven matches in 21 days, concluding on Halloween with the derby. This grueling schedule will say a lot about Milan’s season. Amorim must find a way to maintain competitiveness while integrating new players and adjusting his system.

Conclusion

The double injury blow to Saelemaekers and Estupinan has forced Ruben Amorim into a tactical rethink far earlier than anticipated. With limited options on the left flank, the coach must choose between youth and experience, attack and balance. The coming weeks will reveal whether Milan can weather the storm, and the decisions made now could define their campaign. As the GdS How Amorim plans to reshape Milan after suffering double injury blow saga develops, all eyes will be on Amorim’s ability to adapt and keep the Rossoneri’s ambitions intact.