Santiago Gimenez sidelined up to two months after ankle sprain in World Cup loss

Mexican striker Santiago Giménez, who came on as a substitute in Mexico’s 3‑2 round‑of‑16 defeat to England at the 2026 World Cup, suffered a right‑ankle injury in the closing minutes. Medical examinations ruled out a fracture and confirmed a second‑degree ankle sprain, with doctors estimating a recovery period of six to eight weeks.

The injury forced Giménez off the field and into a hospital for scans, ending his participation in the tournament. The setback adds to a season plagued by ankle problems for the 22‑year‑old AC Milan forward, who previously underwent arthroscopic surgery on the same joint. Milan face a dilemma as the summer transfer window closes; the sprain complicates planned moves for the player, with potential buyers hesitant and the club weighing whether to keep him on the roster for the upcoming season.

Mexico’s elimination from the World Cup was already sealed, and Giménez’s absence will not affect the tournament outcome, but his recovery timeline will impact both the national team’s future selections and Milan’s squad planning.