Milan Keeper Maignan Faces 10 Weeks out after Wrist Surgery

AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan. (AFP)
AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan. (AFP)
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Milan Keeper Maignan Faces 10 Weeks out after Wrist Surgery

AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan. (AFP)
AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan. (AFP)

AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan will be ruled out for 10 weeks after undergoing a wrist operation, the Serie A club said on Wednesday.

The 26-year-old was an unused substitute as France beat Belgium and Spain to win the UEFA Nations League last week, but required surgery on his return to Italy.

“AC Milan can confirm that Mike Maignan underwent an arthroscopic exam today that identified an injury to a ligament in his left wrist, which was repaired,” Milan said on their website.

“The operation was a perfect success. He will rest for six weeks before beginning the rehabilitation process. Maignan is expected to be out of action for 10 weeks.”

Maignan has impressed since arriving from Lille on a five-year deal in May, playing every minute of Milan’s Serie A and Champions League campaigns.

His absence is a blow for coach Stefano Pioli, as his goalkeeper will miss a key run of games including the Rossoneri’s four remaining Champions League group matches and league clashes with AS Roma and Inter Milan. Maignan is unlikely to play again until after the Serie A winter break in January.



Vinícius Júnior Scores and Assists in Real Madrid's 3-0 Win Over Salzburg to Advance in CWC

Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid reacts after scoring the 1-0 goal against FC Salzburg during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 match between FC Salzburg and Real Madrid in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, 26 June 2025. EPA/WILL OLIVER
Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid reacts after scoring the 1-0 goal against FC Salzburg during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 match between FC Salzburg and Real Madrid in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, 26 June 2025. EPA/WILL OLIVER
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Vinícius Júnior Scores and Assists in Real Madrid's 3-0 Win Over Salzburg to Advance in CWC

Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid reacts after scoring the 1-0 goal against FC Salzburg during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 match between FC Salzburg and Real Madrid in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, 26 June 2025. EPA/WILL OLIVER
Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid reacts after scoring the 1-0 goal against FC Salzburg during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 match between FC Salzburg and Real Madrid in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, 26 June 2025. EPA/WILL OLIVER

Vinícius Júnior scored a goal and assisted on another in Real Madrid's 3-0 win over Salzburg on Thursday night that secured the Spanish powerhouse first place in the Club World Cup's Group H and a spot in the round of 16.

Vinícius gave the 64,811 soaking wet fans at Lincoln Financial Field something to cheer for by scoring on a left-footed shot right outside the penalty box in the 40th minute. Jude Bellingham left Vinícius in position to score with a breakaway pass that took advantage of the wet field conditions caused by the rain.

Eight minutes later, a deflected pass by Mamady Diambou left Vinícius one-on-one against Joane Gadou inside Salzburg's penalty box. Having no angle to shoot, Vinícius delivered a backheel pass to Federico Valverde that left the Uruguayan wide open to score from 10 yards out.

Antonio Rüdiger suffered an apparent hamstring injury in the 60th minute after completing a long sprint down the right wing. He continued playing, but was subbed out six minutes later. His availability will be one to watch for Real Madrid's upcoming game as they are thin at the center back position due to multiple injuries and a suspension to Raúl Asencio.

Gonzalo García put the game to bed in the 84th minute with a chip shot after a counterattack he initiated by stealing the ball from Gadou in midfield.

With the win, Real Madrid became the ninth European team to advance to the round of 16. From the 12 European teams in the tournament, only Atlético Madrid, Porto, and Salzburg were eliminated in the group stage, The Associated Press reported.

Key moment Vinícius' backheel pass to set up Valverde inside the penalty box to score Madrid's second goal.

Takeaways Real Madrid finished atop Group H with seven points. Madrid will face Juventus, a 5-2 loser to Manchester City, on Tuesday at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. Salzburg finished third in Group H with four points. They were eliminated as Al Hilal finished with five points, one more than the Austrian team, after defeating Pachuca 2-0 on Thursday night.