Milan's Belgian midfielder Alexis Saelemaekers (right) fights for the ball with Lecce's Portuguese defender Danilo Veiga during the Italian Serie A match between AC Milan and Lecce in Milan. (AFP pic)

ROME: Belgium international Alexis Saelemaekers has suffered another serious injury to his right ankle, AC Milan said on Monday, with Italian media reporting he could be sidelined until 2027.

The 27-year-old Saelemaekers underwent further tests over the weekend on the same ankle that was operated on in 2024 to treat a fracture.

Milan said the results showed "the ankle has lost stability at the site of the previous surgery" and that specialists were evaluating the best course of treatment.

The club did not provide a timeframe for the player's recovery.