Allegri confirms Milan have two options to replace injured Modric for 2025-26 run-in
Massimiliano Allegri has confirmed that it will be a choice of either Ardon Jashari or Samuele Ricci to replace the injured Luka Modric for the final four matches of the 2025-26 Serie A season: ‘I have a lot of confidence’.
Allegri comments on potential Modric replacements: ‘We have great players’
Milan will visit Sassuolo on Sunday afternoon in the 35th round of Serie A fixtures, but will have to do without former Ballon d’Or winner Modric against the Neroverdi. The 40-year-old is expected to miss the remainder of the 2025-26 campaign after suffering a fractured cheekbone while challenging for a header against Manuel Locatelli during the 0-0 draw between Milan and Juventus last weekend.
It is a blow for the Rossoneri, who have been able to field the veteran midfielder in all but one of their Serie A matches so far this season. Modric has started in 32 of Milan’s 34 league matches so far this season.
Speaking during his pre-match press conference on Saturday, Allegri confirmed that it will be a choice between one of two players to replace Modric against Sassuolo on Sunday.
“We’re very sorry about this bad injury, which will keep him out until the end of the season, even if he has a big desire to come back,” Allegri commented.
“He shows so much passion for the work he does and I hope this has been a lesson for the other players. We have great players to replace him, either Jashari or Ricci, who have grown a lot and in whom I have a lot of confidence.”
Jashari was one of the division’s most expensive signings during the summer transfer window, but has struggled to establish himself in San Siro, especially following the injury he suffered almost immediately after signing from Club Brugge.
This is not a major concern for Allegri, though: “Jashari has grown a lot. Unfortunately he had a bad injury at the beginning of the season which kept him out for a long time. He has desire, he’s curious, he has his whole future ahead of him and I think Milan made an excellent signing.”