AC Milan given huge relief as summer signing Ardon Jashari's return date set after two months out

According to Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, Jashari is targeting a return on the bench for AC Milan’s clash against Parma on November 8, ahead of the international break. The Swiss midfielder had sustained a compound fracture to his right fibula, keeping him sidelined for an estimated eight weeks. The injury occurred when he accidentally collided with Mexican striker Gimenez in training.

Jashari’s rehabilitation has involved alternating between physiotherapy sessions at home and running in zero-gravity conditions at the Milanello gym. A final X-ray will be conducted by the club’s medical team to confirm the healing of the fracture before he is cleared to train again.

Jashari’s recovery should come as a relief to Milan management and fans, with star forward and USMNT striker Christian Pulisic expected to be out for a month after sustaining a hamstring injury. France midfielder Adrien Rabiot, English midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Ecuadorian fullback Pervis Estupinan are also sidelined, while Christopher Nkunku, who missed the game against Fiorentina, is deemed fit for Milan’s clash against Pisa.

The 23-year-old joined AC Milan this summer in a €39 million (£34m/$46m) deal after drawn-out negotiations lasting over a month, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic playing a key role in facilitating the move. Jashari even went on strike to force the transfer, vowing never to play for Club Brugge again. Despite interest from Borussia Dortmund and Manchester United, he was determined to join Milan. His resolve was so strong that even when Brugge accepted a bid from Milan’s rivals Inter, Jashari refused to move.

His former manager Mario Frick praised him, calling him “from another planet,” but noted that Jashari must add goals to his game to continue growing. At his unveiling, the Swiss midfielder admitted he had been a lifelong Milan fan, citing Andrea Pirlo as his idol. He compared his own career path to Pirlo’s, starting out as a number 10 before moving into a deeper playmaker role. Jashari also pledged to learn from veteran teammate Luka Modric as he adapts to Serie A.

Milan’s 2-1 win over Fiorentina, courtesy of a brace from Rafael Leao, saw them climb to the top of the Serie A table. Milan took the lead through a controversial penalty after Fiorentina defender Fabian Parisi was judged to have brought down Gimenez inside the box. Fiorentina manager Stefano Pioli was furious at the decision, insisting that VAR encourages players to dive, as he claimed Gimenez had gone down to win the penalty.

After starting the league campaign with a 2-1 loss to Cremonese, Milan have fought their way back under coach Massimiliano Allegri, who has emphasised a solid defensive approach. They now have the second-best defence in the league, conceding just four goals, behind only Roma, who have let in three.

Milan’s fortunes have also been boosted by the signing of Croatian legend Modric, whose leadership qualities have been praised by Milan icon Alessandro Costacurta. While Costacurta believes Milan were never technically lacking, they previously lacked leadership, which Modric has now provided. Leao also highlighted Modric’s impact in training, noting that the midfielder encouraged him and promised to help make him a better player.

While Milan hope for a swift recovery for Jashari, they plan to be cautious and gradually ease the midfielder back into the team to avoid another injury. Milan face Pisa on Friday, aiming to open a gap over second-placed Inter and third-placed Napoli, who will meet each other on Sunday.