Veteran defender Kyle Walker has undergone surgery after suffering a serious elbow injury during training with AC Milan. The English international joined the Serie A side on loan from Manchester City in January.

He fractured his right elbow and immediately underwent corrective surgery in Milan. The club confirmed the operation was successful, and Walker has already begun his rehabilitation.

ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS – FEBRUARY 12: Kyle Walker of AC Milan speaks to the media in a flash interview at the end of the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Knockout Play-off first leg match between Feyenoord and AC Milan at De Kuip on February 12, 2025 in Rotterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Oliver Hardt – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

Fracture Confirmed, Surgery Completed

AC Milan issued an official statement revealing details of the incident and subsequent medical response. “AC Milan can confirm that Kyle Walker sustained a fracture in his right elbow today,” read the club’s announcement.

“To ensure better healing and optimize recovery time, the player underwent surgery in Milan to repair the olecranon through osteosynthesis. The operation went perfectly to plan. Kyle will begin rehabilitation immediately.”

Though the recovery timeline remains unspecified, Milan’s medical team appears confident in a smooth recovery process for the experienced full-back.

Walker’s Milan Journey So Far

The 34-year-old defender made the switch to Italy earlier this year after spending over a decade in England’s top flight. Arriving in January, Walker has featured in 12 matches across domestic and European competitions for the Rossoneri. Despite flashes of his trademark pace and defensive tenacity, Milan’s overall campaign has struggled for consistency.

Currently ninth in Serie A, Milan’s league form has been far from inspiring. However, the club remains in contention for silverware, with the Coppa Italia semifinal against rivals Inter Milan looming large. With the second leg scheduled for April 23 and the tie delicately poised at 1-1, Walker’s absence will be a significant blow to manager Stefano Pioli’s defensive setup.

Manchester City Future Still Possible

Though firmly settled in Milan for the time being, Walker hasn’t closed the door on a return to Manchester. Speaking on his BBC podcast, “You’ll Never Beat Kyle Walker,” he hinted at the possibility of wearing the sky blue once more.

“The chapter is not full closed,” Walker said, reflecting on his emotional farewell from City. “But, after I said my goodbyes, Pep [Guardiola] got up and spoke and said a really nice message to me, just saying thank you for everything. But, listen, it’s not over. I’m just on loan here.”

Soccer Football – Premier League – Manchester City v Fulham – Etihad Stadium, Manchester, Britain – September 2, 2023 Manchester City’s Kyle Walker reacts REUTERS/Molly Darlington

His words suggest a decision on his long-term future will depend on how discussions unfold between the two clubs come summer.

“I’ve got to take that into consideration that I can go back. Obviously, both parties need to come to an agreement come the end of the season,” he continued. “Listen, the chapter’s not fully closed, but we’ll see what happens.”

Mixed Fortunes Since Milan Arrival

Walker’s time in Italy has mirrored the club’s topsy-turvy season. His performances have been solid, with fans appreciating his experience and leadership at the back. However, Milan’s defensive woes and inconsistency in midfield have often left the backline exposed, a situation not unfamiliar to the Englishman from his days at City during transitional phases.

Off the pitch, Walker has embraced Italian culture, often seen interacting with supporters and making public appearances that have helped build his rapport with the Milanese faithful. His injury, though untimely, has not dimmed his determination, and early signs point to a focused and motivated return.