Ardon Jashari finally stepped onto the pitch again today, marking his first competitive minutes in nearly three months, and the outing offered a clear reminder that he still has a considerable journey ahead before establishing himself as a consistent presence in AC Milan’s lineup. The club has been waiting to see how he would respond after such a long layoff, and while there were encouraging flashes, the performance also revealed that his return to top form will not be immediate.
Realistically, barring an extraordinary turn of events, Jashari was never expected to be in serious contention for a starting role in next week’s Derby della Madonnina. Even before this match, the coaching staff seemed to understand that rushing him into such a high-intensity encounter would be both unnecessary and unfair. After Milan’s clash with Virtus Entella, any lingering doubts were effectively removed. The gap between what he can currently offer and what the derby demands was made quite apparent.
Still, considering the context of his situation—stepping onto the field after almost ninety days without a competitive minute—Jashari delivered a surprisingly respectable first half. As reported by Calciomercato.com, he showed a decent level of composure and awareness in those opening 45 minutes. He produced several tidy passes, linked midfield sequences effectively, and even ventured into advanced areas when space opened up. His movement suggested a player trying to re-immerse himself into the rhythm of real match action, and during that opening spell, he succeeded to an extent.
However, the game gradually revealed the rust that inevitably accompanies such a long absence from the field. Once the second half began, his early sharpness faded, and the limits of his current conditioning became more evident. The same reports noted that his “present physical limitations were exposed,” a damning but accurate reflection of how his performance dipped. Jashari’s touches became heavier, his reactions slower, and his decision-making less assured. A few misplaced passes and moments of hesitation hinted at a player not quite settled into the tempo required at this level.
It wasn’t a disastrous display by any means—more a predictable outcome for someone still working to recover both fitness and confidence. But taken as a whole, it reinforced what many around Milanello already suspected: the derby is likely too ambitious a target for Jashari at this stage. Even a cameo appearance off the bench may not be wise, given how demanding such a match is physically, mentally, and tactically. The risk of pushing him too soon outweighs any potential benefit, especially considering the depth options that may soon be available again.
One of those options is Adrien Rabiot, whose expected return provides Stefano Pioli with much-needed coverage in midfield. With the Frenchman nearing full readiness, Milan will be able to ease Jashari’s transition without compromising the squad’s structure. This makes it even more logical to take a cautious approach with the young midfielder, who, despite today’s mixed showing, is still viewed as a valuable long-term investment.
Because of all this, a much more realistic and appropriate objective for Jashari is the upcoming Coppa Italia matchup against Lazio. Unlike the derby, which is one of the most intense fixtures in Italian football, the cup tie offers a competitive but more manageable setting in which he could potentially earn a starting role. The atmosphere will be demanding, but the stakes and pace are typically less relentless, providing a good opportunity for him to rebuild rhythm while still being challenged.
In many ways, today’s outing should be seen not as a setback but as a necessary step in his re-adaptation. After such a long break, it was always going to take time for him to find his footing again. The first half proved he has the quality and instincts; the second half showed what still needs work. With patience, structured minutes, and gradual reintegration, Jashari can return to the level Milan expects. But for now, the derby will have to wait, and his focus should shift toward the matches where he can realistically contribute without being rushed beyond his current capacity.
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