Bad news for Alexis Saelemaekers. The Belgian wide player underwent specialist examinations which showed that his right ankle, following the recent injury sustained in training last Tuesday, has lost stability in the area of the previous surgery he underwent in 2024.
In light of the test results, a specialist assessment is currently under way to determine the most appropriate course of treatment. The plate and screws inserted during the previous operation are no longer providing sufficient support, however, and therefore another surgical procedure appears likely. This would keep the Belgian sidelined until the beginning of 2027, writes Tuttosport in today's print edition.
Yesterday, concern had also arisen over Estupiñán’s condition following a statement issued by the Ecuadorian federation:
"Pervis Estupiñán suffered a knee injury during the match against Japan. The examinations carried out revealed a knee sprain with internal damage. The clinical information and test results have already been communicated to AC Milan’s medical staff in order to ensure continuity of treatment. We wish Pervis a speedy recovery."
Later, Ecuador head coach Marcelo Gallardo played down the situation in a press conference:
"It is a slight knee sprain; there is nothing to worry about."
Milan subsequently reported that Estupiñán had suffered a low-grade strain of the medial collateral ligament in his left knee and had been rested as a precaution. His condition will be reassessed when he returns to Milanello, particularly with a view to Sunday evening’s away match against Sassuolo.
The player who will have to fight for playing time is Omari Hutchinson. The English attacking midfielder, who arrived at the end of the transfer window on loan from Nottingham Forest with an option to buy, spoke to Sportmediaset:
"From the very beginning, it has been fantastic. I’m enjoying myself. I’m working very hard. Compared with the Premier League, it is still too early to judge, but everything here is very tactical. I needed a period like this; you never know what can happen. I’m training hard and I want to show what I’m capable of."
His arrival was backed by Ruben Amorim, who already knew him from their encounters in the Premier League. Speaking about his new coach, Hutchinson said:
"I scored my first goal for Ipswich against him, and it was a great feeling. Before I came here, we joked about it."
