AC Milan's on-loan defender Kyle Walker has gone under the knife after fracturing his right elbow. The Serie A giants confirmed the surgery was successful, and the England international will begin his rehabilitation program immediately.
The former Manchester City captain, who joined Milan in January, has quickly become an important figure at the San Siro. Walker has already racked up 12 appearances across all competitions since his winter arrival.
Milan haven't revealed exactly how long the 34-year-old will be sidelined. This creates significant uncertainty for fans and bettors alike as the Rossoneri prepare for some crucial upcoming fixtures.
Impact on Milan's Season
Walker's injury comes at a particularly bad time for Milan. The team is struggling in Serie A, currently sitting ninth in the table and well below expectations for a club of their stature.
The injury to their experienced defender could further complicate Milan's hopes of climbing the league standings. This development might lead bookmakers to lengthen odds on Milan securing European qualification through their league position.
However, there's still a silver lining for Milan fans. Despite their league struggles, the team remains in contention for silverware via the Coppa Italia.
Milan are set to face city rivals Inter in the second leg of their Coppa Italia semi-final on April 23. The first leg ended in a 1-1 draw, leaving everything to play for in what promises to be a fiercely contested Milan derby.
Walker's Future at Milan
The timing of this injury also raises questions about Walker's long-term future. Having joined on loan with an option to buy, the defender was likely hoping to impress Milan's hierarchy enough to secure a permanent move.
Now, his ability to contribute during the crucial final stretch of the season hangs in the balance. For Milan, they'll need to carefully evaluate whether to trigger their option to sign the 34-year-old permanently.
Walker brings valuable experience from his successful stint at Manchester City. His leadership qualities could be exactly what Milan need as they attempt to rebuild and return to the summit of Italian football.
For punters considering bets on the upcoming Milan derby, Walker's absence could shift the odds further in Inter's favor. The derby della Madonnina is always unpredictable, but losing a player of Walker's caliber certainly doesn't help Milan's chances.
As Walker begins his recovery journey, both the player and club will be hoping he can return to action sooner rather than later. With crucial matches on the horizon, Milan fans will be keeping their fingers crossed for positive news in the coming weeks.
