AC Milan midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek has undergone successful surgery following a serious facial injury sustained during AC Milan’s 1-0 Serie A defeat against Parma on February 22, 2026. The 30-year-old English international suffered a significant fracture of the alveolar bone in his jaw following a collision with Parma goalkeeper Edoardo Corvi in just the 11th minute at San Siro.
Injury Details and Medical Information
The operation was performed by Dr. Luca Autelitano at ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo’s Maxillofacial Surgery and Dental Clinic department in Milan. AC Milan confirmed that the surgery to reduce and stabilize the fracture was completely successful. Loftus-Cheek has been discharged and is expected to make a full recovery, though he faces approximately eight weeks out of action.
| Aspect | Information |
|---|---|
| Player | Ruben Loftus-Cheek (30 years old) |
| Club | AC Milan |
| Injury Date | February 22, 2026 |
| Match | AC Milan 0-1 Parma (San Siro) |
| Time of Injury | 11th minute |
| Incident | Collision with goalkeeper Edoardo Corvi |
| Injury Type | Alveolar bone fracture (jaw) |
| Additional Damage | Lost several teeth, facial trauma |
| Surgery Performed | February 23, 2026 |
| Surgeon | Dr. Luca Autelitano |
| Hospital | ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Milan |
| Recovery Timeline | Approximately 8 weeks |
Career Impact and World Cup Implications
| Consideration | Details |
|---|---|
| England Caps | 11 international appearances |
| 2026 World Cup | Competing in North America (June-July) |
| Recovery Timeline | 8 weeks (mid-April estimated return) |
| World Cup Risk | Jeopardized by injury timing |
| Recent Selection | Called up by Thomas Tuchel (September 2025) |
| Series A Matches Missed | Approximately 7-8 fixtures |
| Current Form | 27 appearances, 3 goals, 1 assist (2025-26) |
| Milan League Position | Second, 10 points behind Inter |
How The Injury Occurred
Loftus-Cheek was attempting to meet a rabona cross delivered by teammate Alexis Saelemaekers in the opening moments of Sunday’s match. As the midfielder jumped to meet the ball with his head, Parma goalkeeper Edoardo Corvi came out to punch the ball away. The collision resulted in Corvi’s elbow striking Loftus-Cheek’s face with significant force.
The impact was immediate and severe. Medical staff quickly recognized the seriousness of the injury and called for a stretcher. Loftus-Cheek was placed in a neck brace for precautionary reasons and carried off the pitch as concerned teammates watched helplessly.
Medical Assessment and Surgery
Following the incident, Loftus-Cheek was rushed to San Carlo Hospital for emergency assessment. Medical examinations confirmed a fracture of the alveolar bone—the part of the skull that forms and supports the tooth sockets. Beyond the jaw fracture, the midfielder lost several teeth in the collision and sustained other facial trauma including cuts and swelling.
Dr. Luca Autelitano, a specialist in maxillofacial surgery, performed the operation to reduce and stabilize the fracture. AC Milan confirmed the operation was completely successful and that the player is doing well.
Missed Matches and Series A Impact
With approximately eight weeks recovery time, Loftus-Cheek will almost certainly miss seven to eight critical Serie A matches. Among the fixtures he will miss are encounters against Cremonese, Inter Milan, Lazio, Torino, Napoli, Udinese, and Verona. A potential return could arrive before Juventus on April 26, though this remains provisional.
AC Milan currently sits second in Serie A, 10 points behind fierce rivals Inter Milan. Loftus-Cheek’s absence represents a significant blow to the Rossoneri’s midfield depth and creativity during the crucial run-in period where every point matters in the championship race.
England World Cup Prospects
The injury timing represents a major setback for Loftus-Cheek’s World Cup ambitions. England’s World Cup squad for the North America tournament will be announced in May 2026, while Loftus-Cheek’s estimated recovery date falls in mid-April. This leaves minimal time for match fitness before potential squad selection.
Loftus-Cheek was recalled to the England squad by manager Thomas Tuchel in September 2025 for the first time in six years, appearing as an unused substitute in the 5-0 qualifying victory over Latvia. The midfielder had been rebuilding his international career and building momentum toward potential World Cup inclusion.
Club Recognition and Importance
Before the injury, AC Milan’s sporting director Igli Tare described Loftus-Cheek as “one of the most complete midfielders in Europe,” stating he would be “fundamental for the season.” The English midfielder has made 27 appearances across all competitions this season, contributing three goals and one assist while demonstrating consistent midfield quality.
His absence will force AC Milan to rely more heavily on other midfielders and adjust tactical approaches during the critical second half of the season.
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