AC Milan Fear The Worst As Alexis Saelemaekers Forced Off During Victory Over Lecce
Alexis Saelemaekers could face a lengthy spell on the sidelines as the Belgian was forced off against Lecce.
Louis Fargher
Updated on 18 January 2026
AC Milan suffered a major blow during their 1-0 victory over Lecce, as Alexis Saelemaekers was forced off through injury.
Alexis Saelemaekers Suffers Injury In Milan Victory
Saelemaekers was withdrawn from the action in the 80th minute due to a muscular injury as the Belgian international put in another strong performance for AC Milan.
The Rossoneri secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Lecce thanks to January addition Niclas Fullkrug, but the goal came from a superb assist by Saelemaekers.
The 26-year-old brought the ball down on his chest superbly before sending a delightful cross into the box and Fullkrug was there to head the ball into the back of the net.
Massimilliano Allegri’s side were in desperate need of a victory after Inter Milan secured a 1-0 victory over Sassuolo, as the Rossoneri stayed within three-points of their fierce rivals.
Keeping pace with Inter was one thing, but Milan’s victory over Lecce became more important after Roma’s 2-0 triumph over Torino – as the Giallorossi moved back into the top four.
Donyell Malen marked his debut with a goal and Gian Piero Gasperini’s side were one-point behind Milan before the Rossoneri’s clash against Lecce.
Milan and Roma are set to face off on January 26th and Saelemaekers is set to miss this Serie A clash, as the 26-year-old appears to have aggravated an injury that kept him out of Belgium’s World Cup qualifier against Wales in October 2025.
Saelemaekers will undergo further tests on January 19th and Milan are set to increase their activity in the January transfer window if the Belgian’s situation is severe.
FIRST GOAL FOR FULLKRUG IN MILAN
TOP HEADER FOR THE GERMAN 🔥 pic.twitter.com/9hABWjso85
— gabe🇵🇹 (@itsgabe20) January 18, 2026
AC Milan Prepare January Signings
The Rossoneri have only made one addition in the January transfer window so far, signing Niclas Fullkrug from West Ham for the remainder of this season.
Allegri is hoping to add some more quality to his roster this month as Milan are set to be in the title race alongside Inter Milan and Napoli.
The Serie A side were heavily linked with Manchester United star Harry Maguire, but the Red Devils decide to reject Milan’s approach as Michael Carrick is a huge fan of the Englishman.
Bringing in some attacking firepower was Milan’s main priority this month and Fullkrug’s move appears to have fulfilled this criteria.
Saelemaekers has been utilized as a wing-back under Allegri and Milan look to find another option in this area of the pitch if the Belgian is ruled out for multiple months.
Milan could re-enter negotiations with Manchester United over a move for Diogo Dalot, as the Portuguese star enjoyed a strong loan spell with the Rossoneri during the 2020/21 campaign.
Louis Fargher
Louis has been an avid soccer enthusiast for multiple years and boasts knowledge across several leagues in Europe - including Serie A. Louis holds a degree in Soccer Journalism and has produced content for multiple clubs in the United Kingdom.
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