Ruben Loftus-Cheek Faces Lengthy Spell Out Following Surgery After Facial Fractures Against Parma

Key Takeaways:

• Ruben Loftus-Cheek will undergo surgery today following facial fractures sustained during AC Milan’s clash with Parma yesterday
• The midfielder is at serious risk of missing the remainder of the season due to his expected months-long recovery period
• BBC reports suggest this setback could jeopardise his chances of Thomas Tuchel selecting him for the upcoming World Cup, after recently making his first England appearance in seven years

Incident and Medical Update

AC Milan’s Ruben Loftus-Cheek suffered significant facial injuries early in yesterday’s fixture against Parma, after a hard collision with goalkeeper Edoardo Corvi. Loftus-Cheek was promptly assisted by medical personnel, immobilised, and stretchered off the pitch before being transported directly to hospital for further evaluation.

According to a late-night club announcement, the English midfielder avoided both concussion and other serious cranial injuries. Nevertheless, he sustained fractures to his upper teeth as well as the alveolar bone in his jaw, requiring surgical intervention today. The expected recovery span is several months, casting considerable doubt on any further involvement this season.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek was carried off on a stretcher with a head injury during AC Milan's 1-0 defeat by Parma.

Wishing him a speedy recovery. pic.twitter.com/d1ZdsOqWOr

— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) February 23, 2026

World Cup Implications and International Prospects

The BBC has highlighted that this injury could severely impede Loftus-Cheek’s prospects of being included in Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad. The midfielder, who had previously been called up by Tuchel for fixtures in October and featured as a substitute against Wales – his first international cap in seven years – may now face exclusion due to his lengthy absence.

Sportsmanship and Support

Post-match, Parma goalkeeper Edoardo Corvi expressed his heartfelt wishes for Loftus-Cheek’s swift recovery via social media. Reports from Gazzetta dello Sport also reveal that Corvi sought to obtain Loftus-Cheek’s phone number to convey his regards personally.