Overview
- AC Milan said medical examinations showed Saelemaekers' right ankle has lost stability at the site of a 2024 operation and that a specialist assessment is taking place to determine next steps.
- The club and reports indicate the most probable outcome is another operation to stabilise the medial malleolus area, which would mean an extended period out of play for the 27‑year‑old.
- Saelemaekers had returned to Milan after loan spells at Bologna and Roma and was trying to re‑establish himself, so a new long absence would significantly set back his bid for first‑team minutes.
- Milan face a second near‑term fitness problem after full‑back Pervis Estupiñán withdrew from Ecuador duty with a collateral medial ligament issue in his left knee, increasing selection strain on the squad.
- A repeat stabilising operation is often followed by months of rehabilitation because medial malleolus instability affects ankle joint function and weight‑bearing, so Milan must plan for reduced wing and full‑back depth while treatment and recovery are decided.