Injury Woes Mount for AC Milan
AC Milan is facing a challenging period with key players sidelined due to significant injuries. Alexis Saelemaekers is set for an extended absence after it was confirmed he will undergo ankle surgery, an injury affecting a previously operated site. This procedure means Saelemaekers is expected to miss over three months, potentially ruling him out for the remainder of 2026 and impacting the stability of his ankle [1]. His potential need for further surgery due to instability could lead to an even lengthier lay-off [2]. Saelemaekers’ absence will be keenly felt, as he has been a regular feature in Ruben Amorim’s plans, with Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Adrien Rabiot, Alphadjo Cisse, Christian Pulisic, and Omari Hutchinson all considered as potential replacements [1].
Further compounding Milan’s injury crisis is the loss of Pervis Estupiñán, who withdrew from international duty with Ecuador due to a collateral medial ligament issue in his left knee [2]. Estupiñán, who has started in four of AC Milan’s five Serie A matches this season, is expected to be unavailable for several weeks [3]. His absence creates a void in the defence, with Davide Bartesaghi and Sankhoun Diawara being considered as potential replacements on the left side of the back four [3]. These injuries will test the depth of the AC Milan squad and require tactical adjustments in the upcoming fixtures.
Squad Depth and Emerging Talent
The significant injuries to Saelemaekers and Estupiñán have brought AC Milan’s squad depth into sharp focus, particularly regarding emerging talent. In the attacking department, Goncalo Ramos, a £60m summer signing from Paris Saint-Germain, has established himself as the first-choice centre-forward for AC Milan [4] [5]. However, the development of younger forwards is also under scrutiny. Alphadjo Cisse appears to be gaining prominence, having made five appearances for AC Milan this season, totaling 288 minutes and scoring two goals [5]. Cisse is also expected to start at centre-forward for the Italy U21s against Poland, alongside Mattia Liberali and Luca Koleosho in the attack [5].
Conversely, Francesco Camarda, another highly-rated prospect, has seen limited action this season, playing only eight minutes across two substitute appearances for AC Milan [5]. He is not expected to start for the Italy U21s against Poland, suggesting that Cisse is currently ahead of him in the pecking order for both club and country [5]. The club’s strategy for nurturing these young talents, especially in light of current injury challenges, will be crucial. Furthermore, AC Milan has shown interest in strengthening their midfield, with rumours linking them to Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Yasin Ayari, whose contract runs until June 2027 [6].
What it means
AC Milan currently sits in 5th position in Serie A with 11 points from five matches, boasting a record of three wins, two draws, and no losses. The team has demonstrated strong offensive capabilities, scoring 10 goals, while maintaining a solid defensive record, conceding only 4. This consistent form, marked by recent results including a 3-0 home victory against US Lecce and draws against SS Lazio and Juventus FC, indicates a resilient squad capable of performing under pressure. The upcoming fixture against Sassuolo on October 11th will be a critical test, especially with the recent injury setbacks to key players like Alexis Saelemaekers and Pervis Estupiñán. These absences will undoubtedly challenge the team’s depth and tactical flexibility, requiring other players to step up and maintain the club’s positive momentum. The outcome of this match will be important for AC Milan to solidify its position in the top tier of the league standings and continue its strong start to the season.
Sources
- Football Italia: Saelemaekers set to miss rest of 2026 as Milan winger opts for ankle surgery football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: Saelemaekers worry as Milan confirm new surgery may be needed football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: Milan suffer Estupinan blow ahead of Serie A return on October 11 football-italia.net ↩
- Sky Sports: Messi lauded as Ronaldo involved in bitter dispute - a fitting finale? skysports.com ↩
- Football Italia: Camarda concern: Overtaken by Milan teammate for club and country? football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: Ayari targeted by Milan and Roma as Brighton and Hove Albion opportunity football-italia.net ↩
