Saelemaekers Sidelined: Milan Winger Chooses Ankle Surgery, Ending 2026 Season Early

FolioPitch.com – 06 October 2026 | AC Milan have been dealt a significant blow as winger Alexis Saelemaekers is set to miss rest of 2026 as Milan winger opts for ankle surgery, according to reports in Italy. The Belgian international, who sprained his right ankle in training at Milanello on 29 September, has decided to undergo an operation after conservative treatment failed to alleviate severe pain. The decision means he will be out for more than three months and is not expected to return until the new year.

The injury initially seemed minor, with scans ruling out bone or ligament damage. However, Saelemaekers continued to experience intense discomfort when attempting to train, prompting further medical tests. These revealed that the sprain had affected the site of a previous operation he had in 2024 while on loan at Roma, where he underwent surgery to treat a fracture of the medial malleolus. In a statement, Milan confirmed: “The specialist examinations showed that the ankle, following the recent trauma in training, has lost stability at the site of the previous surgery.”

While the club indicated that a specialist assessment was underway to choose between surgery and conservative treatment, Corriere dello Sport reports that the player has already opted for an operation. This development confirms that Saelemaekers set to miss rest of 2026 as Milan winger opts for ankle surgery, a cruel twist for a player who had hoped to reignite his career under new manager Ruben Amorim.

The timing is particularly unfortunate for Saelemaekers, who had struggled for regular starts in the opening six Serie A matches under Amorim. The 27-year-old viewed the international break as an opportunity to force his way into the starting XI and earn a recall to the Belgium national team. Instead, he now faces a lengthy rehabilitation period, and sources close to the player describe him as “very low” following the setback.

Milan’s attacking options will be tested in his absence. Alphadjo Cisse and Christian Pulisic are the first-choice replacements on the right wing, while Omari Hutchinson, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Adrien Rabiot, and Diego Moreira are also under consideration. However, with the January transfer window approaching, Amorim may look to reinforce his squad to maintain competitiveness in Serie A and European competitions.

The news that Saelemaekers set to miss rest of 2026 as Milan winger opts for ankle surgery also raises questions about his long-term future at the club. The 2024 surgery at Roma was meant to resolve the issue, but the recent trauma has compromised the stability of the ankle. Recovery from such a procedure typically involves a period of immobilization followed by gradual rehabilitation, and there is no guarantee he will return to full fitness before the end of the season.

For Milan, the loss of Saelemaekers is another hurdle in what has been a challenging start to the campaign. Amorim, who took charge in the summer, has yet to find a consistent attacking rhythm, and the Belgian’s versatility would have been a valuable asset. The club’s medical staff will now focus on ensuring a successful operation and a structured recovery program, but the immediate priority is to cope without him.

As the January window nears, Milan’s hierarchy may accelerate plans to bring in a replacement. The likes of Hutchinson and Moreira have shown promise, but neither has fully convinced as a starter. Pulisic remains the most reliable option, though he has struggled with injuries in the past. The coming weeks will reveal how Amorim adapts his tactics to compensate for Saelemaekers’ absence.

In conclusion, the confirmation that Saelemaekers set to miss rest of 2026 as Milan winger opts for ankle surgery represents a significant setback for both player and club. While surgery offers the best chance for a full recovery, the lengthy layoff will test Milan’s depth and Saelemaekers’ resilience. The coming months will be crucial for the winger’s career and for Milan’s ambitions this season.