When Francesco Camarda Could Return As AC Milan Prodigy Opts For Surgery On Shoulder Injury
Francesco Camarda could be out for months if he goes under the knife.
Giuseppe Labellarte
Updated on 19 January 2026
AC Milan loanee Francesco Camarda has reportedly decided to undergo surgery after struggling with a shoulder injury.
Italian reports say Camarda has been suffering from considerable pain, and that a non-surgical option was considered but carried risks.
The 17-year-old is on loan at fellow Serie A side Lecce, and his injury has created uncertainty about where he will play after he recovers.
AC Milan prodigy Francesco Camarda could be out until April
Francesco Camarda is expected to miss around two to three months, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
The Milan prodigy reportedly opted for an operation because the pain was too much to manage while trying to play.
There were discussions around conservative treatment, but it could have left him with ongoing problems later in the year.
And in the end, Camarda reportedly opted to go under the knife, even if it means a longer spell out.
The teenager is expected to use the next three months to recover, aiming to return before the season finishes.
If all goes well, he would return to action around April, and would be able to tackle pre-season ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
Si allungano i tempi di recupero di Francesco #Camarda: la terapia conservativa prevedeva rientro a inizio febbraio, ma non sta dando grandi frutti. Pertanto la punta ha deciso di operarsi alla spalla e quindi tornerà abile e arruolabile soltanto a fine marzo-inizio aprile pic.twitter.com/Q85rxpFbaP
— Nicolò Schira (@NicoSchira) January 19, 2026
Francesco Camarda surgery decision shapes Milan and Lecce plans
The injury has also affected the agreement between Milan and Lecce over the Francesco Camarda loan, with talks ongoing.
Gazzetta said the clubs were still in dialogue and a decision could arrive quickly, possibly within 24 to 48 hours.
One key question is where Camarda completes his rehab, whether that is with Lecce’s staff or back at Milan’s training base.
If he does return to Milan after surgery, he would most likely build fitness with Milan Futuro rather than the first team.
That would allow Camarda to return step by step, with less pressure and fewer minutes to manage.
Recent reports suggested Milan would recall Camarda from Lecce and integrate him in the first team.
However, the decision to operate means this plan would need to take a back seat.
In addition, Alexis Saelemaekers is now a major doubt for Milan’s crucial trip to Roma on Sunday.
Saelemaekers came off injured during the 1-0 victory against Lecce and underwent tests on Monday.
Although scans revealed he avoided a significant injury, he had suffered a muscle strain in his left adductor.
Giuseppe Labellarte
Giuseppe Labellarte is a sports journalist with over a decade of professional experience in the industry. His main professional expertise is in soccer. Prior to joining FootItalia, he worked for the likes of Sports Mole, TBR Football, the Chelsea Chronicle and numerous other sites, along with having bylines in the likes of the Nottingham Post. He holds degrees in Journalism and International Relations.
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