The news had been in the air, and in the end, the devastating blow has arrived. Matteo Gabbia will be sidelined for several months. How many? That will depend on the specialist consultation the Milan defender will undergo in the coming days and, consequently, on the recovery path that will then be chosen.
Yesterday, meanwhile, the results of the medical examinations confirmed the serious injury he suffered during the first half of Sassuolo-Milan: an injury to the flexor muscle of his left thigh, with partial tendon involvement.
This troubling diagnosis had already been feared on Sunday evening in Reggio Emilia, after the Rossoneri defender left the pitch on a stretcher, covering his face, as relayed via Gazzetta dello Sport.
There are now essentially two possible routes to recovery. The conservative approach, involving treatment and rest, theoretically offers a shorter recovery time but fewer guarantees. The other, naturally, involves surgery, which would push his return date back by another one or two months.
What is certain is that, whichever option is chosen, Gabbia will not be seen back on the pitch until well into 2027.
Gabbia unlucky...
The centre-back, who came through Milan's youth academy, was making his first start after already suffering a physical problem during pre-season preparations and falling behind De Winter in the pecking order.
In the 18th minute of the match against Sassuolo, while attempting to intercept a long ball, Gabbia stretched out to reach it and remained on the ground in pain.
It was immediately apparent that something serious had happened, particularly because Matteo is not the type of player to exaggerate his reactions.
Replaced by De Winter, he was carried on a stretcher past the bench, where Amorim immediately checked on his condition.
His lengthy absence will also be a difficult problem for the Portuguese coach to deal with, just as the season enters its most demanding phase, with Milan facing two matches a week practically continuously from now until the next international break.
Emergency
Without Gabbia, Milan will have to ask their starting defensive trio of Gila, De Winter and Pavlovic to work overtime.
Who are the alternatives to Gabbia?
Tomori, who was only brought back into the fold after the transfer window had closed following Amorim's initial rejection of him during the summer, has yet to play a single minute in an official match.
The same applies to young Sankhoun Diawara, who arrived at Milan this summer from France's second division.
There is also Valeri Vladimirov, who has so far featured only for the Under-23 side. Meanwhile, the option of Bartesaghi, who has also played in a back three in the past, has not yet been used by the Portuguese coach in his defensive setup. In short, the problem appears to be one of quality rather than quantity. And that is no small concern, at least until the transfer window reopens.
What about Alexis Saelemaekers?
While no decision has yet been made regarding Gabbia, a specialist consultation in Amsterdam yesterday resulted in a recommendation for Saelemaekers to undergo surgery on his right ankle. The operation will be performed today by renowned specialist Gino Kerkhoffs.
