Saelemaekers faces possible ankle surgery and four-month absence

Alexis Saelemaekers may be out for around four months after injuring his ankle in training last week, leaving AC Milan facing the loss of a quality attacking-midfield option. A consultation in Amsterdam is expected to determine whether he needs surgery, and the injury is to the same ankle he had operated on in 2024.

Italian reports say Saelemaekers is due to be examined by Professor Gino Kerkhoffs. Calciomercato reports that surgery is expected tomorrow barring surprises, while other reports describe an operation as a possibility pending the consultation. The decision is not yet settled.

A four-month lay-off would keep the Belgian out for a substantial stretch of the season. For Milan, the immediate concern is the home match against Atalanta on 18 October: Saelemaekers is listed out with the ankle injury. His absence also removes one of the quality options available in attacking midfield as the side looks to maintain its early-season position.

Milan sit fifth after six matches, with 12 points from three wins and three draws, and remain unbeaten. That start gives the injury added weight: the team has built its league position without a defeat, but now faces a spell without a player who could offer quality in the attacking midfield area.

Saelemaekers addressed the setback in an Instagram message, saying that being away from football, his teammates and the game he loves was painful. He thanked supporters, teammates and staff for their messages and said he would approach the difficult period with patience and determination while working towards a return.

The Amsterdam consultation is the key next step. It should establish whether recovery begins with surgery and give Milan a clearer picture of how long they must plan without him.