News that shook Milanello — and that nobody saw coming: Alexis Saelemaekers will undergo a new surgical procedure on his right ankle. What initially appeared to be a manageable injury has turned into a potentially lengthy absence, with direct consequences on both squad selection and the options available to Rúben Amorim.
The Story of the Injury: From Sprain to Surgery
It all started during a training session at Milanello, when the Belgian midfielder suffered a right ankle sprain. The first medical tests carried out by the club had ruled out bone injuries and ligament damage, leaving room for cautious optimism. As previously reported, the player had begun differentiated work with the aim of returning to training in a short time.
Unfortunately, the clinical picture worsened. Persistent and intense pain prompted the Milan medical staff to investigate further, and new tests revealed a more complex situation than expected: the sprain had affected the medial malleolus — an area that had already been operated on in 2024, when the player was at Roma. That previous procedure left a structural vulnerability that has now resulted in a significant loss of ankle stability.
The official club statement left no room for interpretation: the player underwent specialist examinations that revealed a loss of stability at the site of the previous surgery. The solution identified is surgical and may involve replacing the old plate with a new one. The operation is expected within the next few days, with the choice of surgeon and methodology still being finalised.
The estimated recovery time is 3 to 4 months, meaning the player will in all likelihood miss the rest of 2026, with a possible return only between late January and early February 2027. A difficult situation emotionally for the player, who had initially hoped to recover quickly.
Estupiñán Also Out: Bartesaghi Ready for His Chance
As if that weren’t enough, the same day brought another blow: Pervis Estupiñán pulled up with a low-grade strain to the medial collateral ligament of his left knee. An immediate return is also ruled out for the Ecuadorian full-back, opening up a significant gap on the left flank.
The primary candidate to step in is Davide Bartesaghi, an Italian left-back who came through Milan’s youth academy. The 2005-born defender has shown real quality with the Under-21 national team, displaying a confidence and consistency that he has yet to fully replicate at club level. Now he has the biggest opportunity of his young career: proving he can be a reliable presence in Amorim’s Milan.
Amorim’s Options: 4-2-3-1 or Sticking With the 3-4-2-1?
With Saelemaekers set for a long spell on the sidelines, the Portuguese head coach must rethink certain tactical balances. One of the most intriguing hypotheses is a switch to a 4-2-3-1, a system that would allow him to better utilise the attacking wide options at his disposal. In this scenario, Bartesaghi would operate as a left-back in a back four, with Strahinja Pavlović and Koni De Winter in the centre of defence.
In midfield, the pairing of Adrien Rabiot and Luka Modrić would provide quality and defensive cover, while the attacking trio behind the striker would offer creativity and unpredictability. Christian Pulisic remains central to this area of the pitch, with his ability to cut inside and create numerical advantages.
Should Amorim instead choose to continue with the 3-4-2-1, the picture becomes slightly more complicated: Bartesaghi would be pushed into a wide midfield role rather than his natural position, requiring alternative solutions across the channels. Either way, the manager will have time to study the situation in full detail once the internationals return.
What is clear is that Saelemaekers will be missed: despite the criticism that often surrounds him, the Belgian is a player capable of creating real havoc in opposing defences through his energy and unpredictability. His absence is a blow — but it is also an opportunity for others to step up and make their mark in the red and black shirt.
