Leysen’s ankle injury forces Sassuolo into first-half defensive change against Milan

Sassuolo had to replace Fedde Leysen in the first half against AC Milan after the Belgian defender injured his ankle in a challenge. Cas Odenthal came on, leaving Sassuolo to wait for a post-match assessment before knowing whether Leysen will be available for their next meeting with Milan on October 11.

Leysen went down around the middle of the first half and stayed on the pitch long enough for medical staff to bring on a stretcher. He was able to get back to his feet, then left the field supported by Sassuolo’s medical staff. The injury was to his ankle, which turned during the challenge; its severity had yet to be established after the match.

The substitution was another early change in a game that had already seen Milan defender Matteo Gabbia leave the field. For Sassuolo, the immediate issue was replacing Leysen at the back: Odenthal took his place, while the club awaited further information on the Belgian’s condition.

Leysen arrived from Union Saint-Gilloise in the summer and had made one league appearance this season before the injury. That limited league record makes the assessment especially important for understanding his role in Sassuolo’s plans, but the club’s next decision depends on the results of the post-match checks.

The injury came in the sixth round of the season. Before kick-off, Milan were fifth with 11 points from five matches, while Sassuolo sat 10th on seven. The teams are due to meet again on October 11, so Leysen’s recovery timeline will determine whether Sassuolo must plan for another defensive absence against the same opponent. For now, the confirmed change is Odenthal replacing him; the extent of the ankle problem remains to be assessed.