Milan’s miserable afternoon at San Siro was compounded by serious injury news regarding Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who was stretchered off with a neck brace in the opening stages of the 1-0 defeat to Parma.
The England international was taken directly to hospital following the match, and the news from there has not been encouraging.
According to Sky Sport journalist Peppe Di Stefano, via MilanNews, who was present at San Siro, Loftus-Cheek has suffered a fracture of the alveolar bone.
It is reported as a significant and serious injury that will require surgery either overnight or on Monday.
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 22: Ruben Loftus-Cheek of AC Milan leaves the pitch on a stretcher during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Parma Calcio 1913 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 22, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Loftus-Cheek out with alveolar fracture as Milan lose to Parma
The Englishman was visibly in distress as he came off the pitch, casting a shadow over what was already a difficult evening for the Rossoneri.
His removal so early in the game left Milan short in midfield and set the tone for a frustrating display that ultimately cost them three points in the title race.
A recovery timeline has not yet been established, with medical staff understandably cautious given the delicate nature of the injury.
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 22: Ruben Loftus-Cheek of AC Milan leaves the pitch on a stretcher during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Parma Calcio 1913 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 22, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Further assessment will be needed before any indication of how long the midfielder could be sidelined, though the severity of the fracture suggests a significant spell on the sidelines cannot be ruled out.
Loftus-Cheek has been an important figure in Milan’s squad this season, and his absence, however long it proves to be, will be a considerable blow to a side with a demanding run of fixtures ahead.