Ruben Loftus-Cheek Injury Deals Setback to AC Milan Before Inter Derby
AC Milan has been dealt a significant blow with the news that midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek will be sidelined for at least two weeks due to a thigh muscle tear. This injury forces him out of several important matches, including the high-stakes derby against Inter Milan and a crucial Europa League game against Ferencvaros.
Details of the Injury
Medical examinations revealed a tear in Loftus-Cheek's left medial hamstring muscle. The injury happened during AC Milan's recent 2-0 win over Udinese. Loftus-Cheek came on as a second-half substitute but had to leave the pitch early in stoppage time after feeling a sharp strain while sprinting. Scans confirmed the severity, confirming that he will need a minimum two-week recovery period, with further assessments scheduled after that.
Matches Impacted by the Absence
- Serie A fixture: Home game against Bologna on Wednesday.
- Derby: The much-anticipated clash with cross-town rivals Inter Milan on Saturday.
- Europa League: Upcoming match versus Hungarian side Ferencvaros.
This timing comes at a difficult moment for AC Milan, with key fixtures ahead and a mounting list of injured players.
Amorim’s Growing Selection Challenges
Manager Ruben Amorim faces increasing difficulties due to injuries. Currently, eight first-team players are unavailable. Some hope remains for Adrien Rabiot, Mario Gila, and Diego Moreira, who are pushing to recover in time for the derby after missing the trip to Udinese. However, others like Samuel Chukwueze, Matteo Gabbia, and Alexis Saelemaekers are out with long-term injuries.
Maintaining Strong Form Despite Setbacks
Despite these setbacks, AC Milan continues to impress domestically. They remain unbeaten in Serie A, holding 18 points heading into the derby. Before facing Inter Milan, they will aim to extend their streak with a home game against Bologna on Wednesday.
Upcoming Fixture for AC Milan
- Date: 28 October 2026
- Time: 19:30
- Opponent: Bologna (BOL)
