Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka has backed AC Milan’s new signing Ardon Jashari to “come back stronger” after the 23-year-old midfielder suffered a fractured fibula just days into his Serie A career.
AC Milan’s €39 million summer signing Ardon Jashari has endured a nightmare start to life in Italy, but Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka insists the talented midfielder will overcome the setback and return stronger.
Early Setback in Milan
Jashari, who only just made his Serie A debut in a shock 2-1 defeat to Cremonese, suffered a compound fracture of the right fibula after a training ground collision with team-mate Santiago Gimenez. Milan confirmed the diagnosis, with the 23-year-old expected to be sidelined for around two months.
The injury is a frustrating blow for both Massimiliano Allegri’s Rossoneri and Switzerland, with Jashari tipped to play a key role for club and country this season.
Xhaka’s Words of Encouragement
Despite the disappointment, Xhaka has no doubts about Jashari’s resilience. Speaking to reporters on Friday, the Bayer Leverkusen star — and long-time Switzerland captain — offered encouragement to his younger team-mate:
I told him: ‘Your time will come.’ Ardon has a great future ahead of him, and with his move to Milan, he’s shown he can play for a great team. It’s a shame about the injury, but he’s quite strong mentally and will definitely come back even stronger.
Xhaka’s message underlines the faith Switzerland’s senior players have in Jashari, who has impressed with his technical quality and composure in midfield.
The Road to Recovery
Jashari is expected to begin light training in early November, with Milan hopeful he can return in time for the packed winter schedule. His absence will be felt in crucial Serie A fixtures against Bologna, Napoli, Juventus, Atalanta, and Roma, but both club and country remain optimistic about his long-term impact.
