Belgium international Alexis Saelemaekers has undergone surgery on his right ankle, AC Milan said on Tuesday, with Italian media reporting he could be sidelined until 2027.
AC Milan said "Saelemaekers underwent surgery on his right ankle today in Amsterdam.
"The arthroscopic debridement and stabilisation procedure... was successfully completed."
The 27-year-old underwent surgery on the same ankle in 2024 to treat a fracture.
The length of his absence has not been specified but according to Gazzetta dello Sport and Sky Sport, Saelemaekers will not return for at least four to five months.
The midfielder was a key player under Massimiliano Allegri last season, but his playing time has decreased since Ruben Amorim took charge.
Saelemaekers has started only two of Milan's opening five league matches and is yet to score this season.
AC Milan are fifth in Serie A with 12 points, four adrift of the leaders.