Saelemaekers Worry as Milan Confirm New Surgery May Be Needed

FolioPitch.com – 06 October 2026 | AC Milan have been dealt a significant injury blow, with the club confirming that Alexis Saelemaekers may require further surgery on his right ankle. The Saelemaekers worry as Milan confirm new surgery may be needed has sent ripples through the Rossoneri fanbase, as the Belgian winger faces another potential lengthy spell on the sidelines. The 24-year-old underwent tests over the weekend that revealed his right ankle has “lost stability at the site of the previous surgery,” prompting the club to seek specialist assessment.

Saelemaekers originally sustained a medial malleolus fracture in September 2024, which required an operation. Now, just as he was beginning to regain his place in the Milan side after loan spells with Bologna and Roma, the Saelemaekers worry as Milan confirm new surgery may be needed has resurfaced, casting doubt over his immediate future. The most likely outcome, according to medical experts, is that he will be forced to undergo another operation to stabilise the ankle, which could see him miss a significant portion of the season.

Second Injury Blow in Hours

The Saelemaekers worry as Milan confirm new surgery may be needed is compounded by the fact that it is the second injury concern for Milan in just a few hours. Earlier, Pervis Estupinan withdrew from the Ecuador squad after sustaining a collateral medial ligament issue in his left knee while on international duty. The Rossoneri’s medical staff are now facing a double crisis, with two key players potentially unavailable for the coming weeks.

Milan coach Stefano Pioli will be anxiously awaiting the results of Saelemaekers’ specialist assessment. The Belgian international had been working tirelessly to force his way back into Pioli’s plans, impressing in training and showing flashes of his old form. However, the Saelemaekers worry as Milan confirm new surgery may be needed has now thrown those plans into disarray.

What It Means for Milan

The potential absence of Saelemaekers leaves Milan short on options on the right flank. The winger’s energy, direct running, and defensive work rate have been valuable assets for the Rossoneri, and his loss would be felt deeply. With Estupinan also facing a spell out, Milan’s depth will be tested to its limits.

Medical experts suggest that if surgery is required, Saelemaekers could be out for up to three months, depending on the severity of the instability. The club is expected to make a final decision after the specialist consultation, but the Saelemaekers worry as Milan confirm new surgery may be needed is already a major talking point among supporters.

Saelemaekers’ Career at a Crossroads

For Saelemaekers, this is a critical moment in his career. After joining Milan in 2020 from Anderlecht, he showed promise but struggled for consistency. Loan spells at Bologna and Roma were meant to provide regular playing time and help him develop, but injuries have repeatedly disrupted his progress. The Saelemaekers worry as Milan confirm new surgery may be needed is not just about this season—it could have long-term implications for his career at the highest level.

The Belgian international has always displayed resilience, but another ankle operation would be a severe test of his mental and physical fortitude. Milan’s medical team will be doing everything possible to avoid surgery, but if the stability issue cannot be resolved through conservative treatment, an operation may be unavoidable.

Conclusion

AC Milan are bracing themselves for the worst as they await specialist advice on Alexis Saelemaekers’ ankle. The Saelemaekers worry as Milan confirm new surgery may be needed is a major concern for the club, especially with Pervis Estupinan also injured. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether the Belgian winger faces another lengthy lay-off or can return to action sooner than feared. For now, Milan fans can only hope that their talented winger avoids the knife and gets back to doing what he does best—terrorising defenders on the flank.