To add insult to injury: Alexis Saelemaekers, having been left out of Belgium’s latest squad, had stayed behind to train at Milanello. It was there, before the league season had even resumed, that he suffered an injury to his right ankle.
What initially appeared to be a simple “ankle sprain, with no damage to the bones or ligaments” subsequently turned out to be a more serious problem. His right ankle was, in fact, the same one he had undergone surgery on two years earlier in Rome. Further examinations revealed the need to restore the stability it had lost.
Hence the decision to proceed with surgery, followed by the club’s statement yesterday after the operation:
"AC Milan announces that Alexis Saelemaekers underwent surgery on his right ankle today in Amsterdam. The arthroscopic debridement and stabilisation procedure, performed by Dr Gino Kerkhoffs in the presence of Dr Andrea Bulgheroni and Diego Mantovani from AC Milan’s medical staff, was successfully completed."
A lengthy recovery for Saelemaekers...
That is where the good news ends. Alexis and Milan will have to wait quite some time for his full recovery and subsequent return to action.
At least five months, meaning the player will not be available again until March, as relayed via La Gazzetta dello Sport in this morning's print edition.
This is a significant absence, considering the Belgian’s experience and versatility. There are alternatives, from Cisse to Hutchinson, given that Amorim had predominantly deployed Saelemaekers on the left before his injury.
However, it cannot be ruled out that Milan will also look to strengthen their options in wide positions in January, alongside potential reinforcements in defence and attack.
Gabbia remains hopeful
In defence, there is another player facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines: Matteo Gabbia, who was injured in Milan’s most recent match against Sassuolo.
Medical scans revealed an injury to the flexor muscle of his left thigh, with partial tendon involvement. His treatment plan is still being finalised.
There is, however, a glimmer of hope: Gabbia is expected to return to action in 2027, but the initial recovery estimate of three to four months could be shortened as his rehabilitation progresses.
Yesterday, Gabbia returned to Instagram with a message:
“It’s a really difficult day. I’m disappointed that I can’t help the team at this very important stage of the season. I’ll do everything I can to return in the best possible condition and as soon as possible, alongside my teammates, wearing the Rossoneri shirt.
“A big THANK YOU to my family, the club, the staff and my teammates for being there for me. Of course, thank you also to all you fans, who are always there supporting us and standing by our side.
“See you soon at San Siro!!! Forza @acmilan ALWAYS.”
The post received thousands of supportive likes. Among the first messages of encouragement were those from his friend Modric, captain Maignan and fellow Milan players Camarda, Tomori and Bartesaghi.
Special messages also came from former Milan players Pato, Yacine Adli and Theo Hernandez.
