Mexican striker Santiago Giménez, player for AC Milan, underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right ankle in Amsterdam this Thursday. This procedure, aimed at resolving the discomfort he has been experiencing since October, will keep him off the pitch for an estimated period of 6 to 8 weeks.
‘Bebote’ has not played since October 28th, having missed the team’s last eight matches. His absence is felt by a Milan side chasing trophies and which faces Napoli this Friday in the Italian Super Cup semifinals, a tournament the Mexican will now miss entirely.
A Frustrating Recovery and the Shadow of the Winter Market
Giménez’s recovery process had caused confusion in recent weeks. Just fifteen days ago, manager Massimiliano Allegri announced the striker had received medical clearance, but his return to the squad never materialized. It was Allegri himself who later confirmed the need for this surgical intervention.
This prolonged absence of their center-forward places the Lombard club at a crossroads. Speculation is growing that Milan could move in the winter transfer market to reinforce their attack, with the name of German striker Niklas Füllkrug from West Ham United being strongly linked. The team’s lack of goals—Giménez has only scored once this season, in the Coppa Italia—highlights this need.
Immediate Impact and a Look to the Future
The impact is immediate for the club, which loses its ‘9’ for a key stretch of the season. Beyond the 6-8 week recovery, Giménez’s surgery opens a period of uncertainty about his future performance and raises a bigger question: Will he be in optimal condition for the next 2026 World Cup?
For now, the focus is on a successful rehabilitation. Milan, meanwhile, must find solutions within the squad or in the transfer market to cover for the absence of a player in whom great offensive trust had been placed.
