As if AC Milan’s bitter 0-1 defeat to Parma wasn’t enough, the Rossoneri also lost midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek on Sunday evening after a violent collision.
Milan had not lost in 24 Serie A games – more precisely, since the 1-2 defeat after leading 1-0 against promoted US Cremonese on the first matchday. This proud run came to an end on Sunday evening with a late 0-1 defeat against Parma Calcio.
Although this defeat had double the impact—the Rossoneri are now ten points behind leaders Inter and have probably said goodbye to the championship race—concerns about Ruben Loftus-Cheek prevailed after the final whistle.
The 30-year-old Englishman had moved into the center of the penalty area early in the 7th minute after a rabona cross from Alexis Saelemaekers, but failed to get his head to the ball. Instead, he was extremely unlucky to be caught in the chin by the onrushing keeper Edoardo Corvi, who was unable to defend himself.
Fracture of the alveolar bone
Loftus-Cheek immediately collapsed, bleeding, and had to be treated and taken directly to the hospital on a stretcher with a support device. The diagnosis was not confirmed until late Sunday evening. According to Sky Sport Italia, the midfielder, who has been playing for Milan since 2023, suffered a broken jaw. More specifically, a fracture of the alveolar bone.
He is expected to be out of action for several months, especially as former Chelsea player Loftus-Cheek will have to undergo surgery on Monday.
Carlos Cuesta, Parma’s coach, initially had only words of sympathy for the injured player in his post-match analysis: “Our thoughts are with Loftus-Cheek and I sincerely hope that he is doing well under the circumstances.” His counterpart Marco Landucci, who had replaced Massimiliano Allegri after he was sent off with a red card following his dispute with Cesc Fabregas a few days ago, felt similarly: “That was a really nasty tackle.”
Exactly how long the Englishman, who also has World Cup hopes for coach Thomas Tuchel’s team, will be out will certainly become clear after Monday’s surgery.