Santiago Jimenez, GETTY IMAGES 07 November 2025, 09:29

Santiago Jimenez addressed fans via social media, admitting that he has been playing with an ankle injury for the past six months. The Milan striker, who has scored just one goal in all competitions this season, has announced that he is taking a break until the end of the year to fully recover and get back in top form.

The Mexican explained that he tried to ignore the pain for weeks, but the situation only got worse. In the match against Atalanta, he was substituted in the second half, and missed the game against Roma due to an aggravation of the injury. According to the football player, this very moment became decisive in making the decision to temporarily suspend performances.

Since joining from Feyenoord in January, Jimenez has yet to live up to expectations. He scored seven goals in 30 matches in the “Rossoneri” shirt, and the current season started particularly poorly – only one goal in 11 games. Despite this, head coach Massimiliano Allegri has repeatedly defended his charge, stressing that the striker’s contribution is not limited to statistics alone.

“Santiago is a fundamental part of this team. He holds the ball, connects the game and works in pressing. The goals will come, but he is already important for us,” Allegri said after the match with Juventus.

In a statement on Instagram, Jimenez wrote: “For several months I played with an ankle injury that prevented me from being 100% ready. I continued to help the team, but the pain was getting worse. It’s time to stop. Now I have to focus on my recovery. God is in control. Thank you for your support.”

Milan reacted calmly to the news. The club does not plan to rush his return, but according to reports in the Italian media, the management is considering the possibility of strengthening the attack in the January transfer window. Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzy and even a swap with Roma for Artem Dovbyk are among the potential options.

Despite rumors, Jimenez is not going to leave San Siro. “I am in my dream team. I dreamed of playing for Milan and I want to succeed here. I never thought about leaving,” the Mexican stressed.