Massimiliano Allegri has confirmed that AC Milan will turn to either Ardon Jashari or Samuele Ricci to fill the void left by injured midfield maestro Luka Modric for the crucial final four matches of the 2025-26 Serie A season. "I have a lot of confidence in both," the Rossoneri boss stated ahead of Sunday's clash with Sassuolo.

The 40-year-old Modric, a former Ballon d'Or winner, suffered a fractured cheekbone during a challenging aerial duel with Manuel Locatelli in last weekend's goalless draw against Juventus. The injury sidelines him for the remainder of the campaign, a significant blow for a Milan side that has relied heavily on his experience—Modric has started 32 of the club's 34 league matches this season.

"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 said during his pre-match press conference on Saturday. "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, one of Serie A's most expensive summer signings from Club Brugge, has faced an uphill battle to establish himself at San Siro after a serious injury early in the season. Despite limited playing time, Allegri remains bullish on the young midfielder's potential. "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."

As the Rossoneri push for a strong finish in the final stretch of the season, all eyes will be on whether Jashari or Ricci can step up in Modric's absence—a test that could define Milan's title aspirations and showcase the depth of their squad.