Milan midfielder Loftus-Cheek suffers jaw fracture in defeat to Parma

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)

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.