Loftus-Cheek undergoes facial surgery after horror clash as Milan fear season over
AC Milan midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek faces uncertain recovery after severe jaw and dental injuries sustained at San Siro
Serious concerns are growing at AC Milan after Ruben Loftus-Cheek suffered a devastating facial injury that required immediate surgery following a violent collision during the match at San Siro. The England international was forced off on a stretcher after clashing with goalkeeper Corvi, leaving players and supporters visibly shaken.
The incident caused a lengthy stoppage as medical staff rushed onto the pitch. Loftus-Cheek was seen bleeding from the mouth and wearing a neck brace as a precaution before being transported to hospital for urgent evaluation. The severity of the impact raised fears of a head injury, although those concerns were later eased.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the midfielder sustained fractures to several upper teeth as well as the alveolar bone that anchors them in place, a serious facial trauma that typically requires specialist surgical treatment. The report adds that he underwent an operation on his jaw and teeth with maxillofacial specialist Stefano Mazzoni involved in the procedure.
Emergency treatment and hospital transfer
Immediately after the collision, Loftus-Cheek was taken to San Carlo hospital for initial tests before being transferred to the maxillofacial surgery unit at San Paolo hospital. The priority was to stabilise the injuries and prepare for reconstructive treatment.
Despite the frightening scenes, AC Milan confirmed that the player did not suffer a concussion. The club maintained close contact with his family to reassure them following the incident, which had caused alarm both inside the stadium and among viewers.
The emotional impact of the collision extended beyond the injured player. La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Corvi, who was involved in the challenge, was deeply distressed and later contacted Loftus-Cheek to apologise and wish him a speedy recovery. He also shared a message of support on social media after the match.
![AC Milan's Ruben Loftus-Cheek celebrates. [@acmilan]](https://slyvi-hosting.slyvi.it/teampages/531151959809/images/imported/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Screenshot-2024-03-07-at-22.03.09.png)
Long recovery could rule him out for months
Facial fractures of this nature often require prolonged healing time, particularly when dental reconstruction is involved. Protective masks may allow an earlier return in some cases, but recovery depends heavily on the extent of bone damage and surgical outcome.
Within the club there are growing fears that Loftus-Cheek’s season could already be over. The physical and psychological recovery from such trauma is rarely quick, and medical staff will be cautious before allowing the midfielder to resume contact training.
The absence would be a major blow for coach Massimiliano Allegri, who has relied on the Englishman’s physical presence and versatility in midfield. Reports suggest there is even concern he may not return until the 2026 2027 campaign, although no official timeline has been confirmed.
For now, the focus remains on the player’s recovery rather than football. The frightening scenes at San Siro served as a stark reminder of the risks involved at the highest level of the game, with everyone connected to AC Milan hoping for positive updates in the weeks ahead.