AC Milan Rocked: Alexis Saelemaekers Ruled Out Until 2026 After Ankle Surgery Setback

AC Milan have been dealt a devastating blow after Alexis Saelemaekers' ankle injury on 29 September proved far more severe than initially feared. Although the medical staff originally diagnosed a minor sprain, subsequent specialist scans revealed significant damage at the site of his previous surgery, forcing the Belgian international to go under the knife for a second time and ruling him out for the remainder of 2026.

This setback is not only a psychological hammer blow for the 27-year-old midfielder, who was desperate to prove himself, but also a sudden crisis for AC Milan. Losing a versatile utility player like Saelemaekers at such a crucial juncture of the season presents a major tactical headache for new manager Ruben Amorim.

Tragedy of an old scar: Why Saelemaekers' injury setback is so severe

What initially seemed a harmless incident during a training session at Milanello on 29 September 2026 was first diagnosed as a minor ankle sprain. However, a devastating twist emerged following in-depth examinations on 3 and 4 October, when doctors discovered severe structural instability at the exact site of his 2024 surgery – dating back to when the midfielder suffered a fractured ankle while playing for AS Roma.

To address this complex issue, the medical team decided to send Saelemaekers to Amsterdam in the Netherlands for a second operation to stabilise the joint and replace the ankle plate. According to journalist Antonio Vitiello, this unexpected grim news has left the Belgian star in a state of deep psychological shock as he faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

A massive tactical blow for Ruben Amorim at AC Milan

Alexis Saelemaekers' absence leaves a massive tactical void, given he was one of Ruben Amorim's most versatile assets, capable of operating on either flank or as an inverted left-sided attacking midfielder. While not always a guaranteed starter, the Belgian international's influence was clear across his five appearances this season (including two Serie A starts), racking up 218 minutes and registering an assist against Venezia.

This setback forces the Portuguese tactician to immediately rip up his pre-planned selection blueprints. It means Ruben Amorim must urgently seek emergency alternatives to maintain the balance of AC Milan's tactical system.

Recovery timeline: What does the future hold for the 27-year-old?

The reconstructive ankle surgery in the Netherlands officially ends the 27-year-old's campaign for 2026, with his rehabilitation expected to take at least three to four months. Saelemaekers is projected to return to light training in January 2027 or mid-February 2027 at the earliest.

This ordeal presents a monumental challenge for the Belgian international as he bids to rediscover his peak form and fight for his place at AC Milan upon recovery. When he returns, he will face a fierce battle for a starting berth, especially if Ruben Amorim's tactical system is already firing on all cylinders with other players. Saelemaekers' biggest hurdle will be adapting quickly and proving his trademark versatility to avoid being frozen out of the club's long-term plans.

Editorial Verdict

The long-term absence of Alexis Saelemaekers is undoubtedly a severe blow to AC Milan's silverware ambitions, particularly as the club prepares to enter the grueling winter schedule. Losing such a versatile and energetic utility player will leave Ruben Amorim facing a tactical puzzle to maintain balance and creative spark in his side.

This is precisely when the Portuguese manager must prove his tactical pedigree by making swift squad adjustments to navigate this critical bend in the season. Who do you think Ruben Amorim should trust to fill the void left by Saelemaekers during the challenging road ahead?