Saelemaekers may face new surgery as Milan confirm setback
Quick summary
AC Milan have confirmed that Alexis Saelemaekers may require another surgery, raising concerns over the winger's availability going forward.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceMilan confirm Alexis Saelemaekers will seek specialist treatment, as he could require further surgery on the ankle that already had an operation in 2024.
The Belgium international underwent tests over the weekend that showed the right ankle has “lost stability at the site of the previous surgery.”
That was for a medial malleolus fracture in September 2024 , so a specialist assessment is taking place to determine the appropriate course of treatment.
Saelemaekers heading towards new operation ITALY – SEPTEMBER 20: Danilo Veiga of U.S. Lecce battles for the ball with Alexis Saelemaekers of AC Milan during the Serie A match between AC Milan and US Lecce at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on September 20, 2026 in Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) The most likely outcome is that he will be forced to have another operation to stabilise the ankle, which could see a lengthy lay-off for the winger.
Saelemaekers was just trying to regain his place in the Milan side after loan spells with Bologna and Roma.
It is the second injury worry for the Rossoneri in just a few hours, as Pervis Estupinan already withdrew from the Ecuador squad after sustaining a collateral medial ligament issue in his left knee while on international duty.
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What happened
Milan have raised alarm over Alexis Saelemaekers, confirming that the Belgian winger may need to undergo a new surgical procedure. The news comes as a setback for the player, who spent last season on loan at Bologna where he impressed before returning to Milan. The potential operation raises fresh doubts over when Saelemaekers will be available for selection and how Milan plan to manage his recovery timeline. Further updates from the club's medical staff are expected as the situation develops.
Chance analysis
Saelemaekers looked to have a clear path back into Milan's first-team plans after a productive loan spell at Bologna, but the prospect of another surgery throws that trajectory into doubt. For a player whose value to Milan hinges on sharpness, pace and wide creativity, any extended absence disrupts both short-term squad rotation and longer-term transfer or development decisions. Milan now face a familiar balancing act between protecting a player from a recurring issue and managing the competitive need for available wide options.
Saelemaekers is likely to miss a significant stretch of Milan's campaign, weakening their wide attacking options until he recovers or returns from surgery.