AC Milan’s season has been struck by a double blow following a traumatic evening at the San Siro. England international Ruben Loftus-Cheek is set to undergo surgery after suffering a fractured jaw during a violent collision in Sunday’s Serie A clash against Parma.
The injury has cast a shadow over a disappointing result for AC Milan, with medical reports suggesting Loftus-Cheek could be sidelined for several months as he recovers from the injury.
🚨🚨🚨 Peppe Di Stefano, journalist for Sky Sport: Loftus-Cheek has sustained a fracture of the alveolar bone a serious injury that will require surgery during the night or tomorrow.
The recovery timeline is currently unknown and will need to be carefully assessed, given the… pic.twitter.com/GLhS8j10iQ
— Milan Posts (@MilanPosts) February 22, 2026
The incident occurred just ten minutes into the match as Loftus-Cheek attempted to attack a cross deep in the Parma penalty area. In his effort to reach the ball, he collided heavily with Parma goalkeeper Edoardo Corvi. The impact was immediately recognized as serious by players from both sides, and medical staff rushed onto the pitch. After a lengthy delay, the former Chelsea man was carried off on a stretcher, visibly distressed, and taken directly for medical assessment.
According to reports, the damage is extensive. In addition to a fractured alveolar bone, Loftus-Cheek suffered several broken upper teeth and deep lacerations. He is expected to undergo surgery, which is scheduled for Monday, after which a clearer timeline for his return will be established.
The loss of Loftus-Cheek seemed to deflate Milan, who struggled to find their rhythm without his physical presence in the middle of the park. Parma, sensing an opportunity against a shaken home side, remained disciplined and dangerous on the counter-attack.
Despite Milan dominating possession for long periods, they lacked the creative spark usually provided by their powerhouse midfielder, and the San Siro crowd grew increasingly restless as the game progressed.
The decisive moment of the match arrived in the second half when Parma capitalized on a defensive lapse from the hosts. A swift break down the wing caught the Milan backline out of position, allowing the visitors to tuck away a clinical finish to take a 1-0 lead. It was a goal that stunned the stadium and left Allegri’s side chasing the game under immense pressure, while Parma sat deep to defend their narrow advantage.
AC Milan pushed desperately for an equalizer in the closing stages, throwing numbers forward and peppering the Parma goal with crosses. However, Edoardo Corvi, the goalkeeper involved in the earlier collision, put in a commanding performance, making several key saves to deny the Rossoneri. The final whistle confirmed a 1-0 defeat for Milan, a result that sees them lose valuable ground in the race for the top of the Serie A table.
