ARDIAN ISMAJLI NEWS

Suffers thigh issue Ismajli has been diagnosed with a low-grade right biceps femoris strain after getting injured with Albania, Empoli announced.

Impact Ismajli had recently returned from separate problems in the same area and is headed for a multi-week absence. Empoli are welcoming back Mattia Viti from a knee injury, who will eventually be a regular, while Luca Marianucci, Saba Goglichidze, Mattia De Sciglio and Liberato Cacace will take care of the two other spots in the back.

MARCH 28 • ROTOWIRE

Puts up numbers versus Torino Ismajli (thigh) recorded three tackles (one won), one interception, 10 clearances and one block in Saturday's 1-0 defeat versus Torino.

Impact Ismajli got the call over Saba Goglichidze and Mattia De Sciglio in his return from injury and turned in a solid shift even though his side conceded once. He'll be a staple of the formation if he avoids further injuries. He has notched six tackles (four won), four interceptions, 38 clearances and one block in his last five displays.

MARCH 16 • ROTOWIRE

Finds starting XI Ismajli (thigh) is in the starting XI for Saturday's match against Torino.

Impact Ismajli is back with the team Saturday, immediately seeing the start after recovering from a thigh injury. He should continue in a starting role moving forward, starting in all 24 appearances this campaign.

MARCH 15 • ROTOWIRE

Should make it for Torino tilt Ismajli (thigh) has been ramping up in training and is likely to be available Saturday versus Torino, Quotidiano Sportivo reported.

Impact Ismajli has sat out the last five Serie A games but briefly returned for a cup one two weeks ago before heading back to the shelf. He has good chances of being an option in this one but could be eased into action to avoid another relapse. Mattia De Sciglio and Luca Marianucci have been filling in for him and Mattia Viti (knee). He has logged five tackles (four won), six interceptions, 32 clearances and one block in his last five displays, with no clean sheets.

MARCH 14 • ROTOWIRE

Ruled out for Genoa clash Ismajli (thigh) "won't be available Sunday", coach Roberto D'Aversa announced.

Impact Ismajli picked up a new muscular problem in his return from a previous one midweek. Empoli will lean on the same defenders as in recent weeks, with Mattia De Sciglio and Luca Marianucci enjoying an uptick in minutes given the absences.

MARCH 1 • ROTOWIRE

Returns in cup game Ismajli (thigh) played a half in Wednesday's Coppa Italia match versus Juventus.

Impact Ismajli worked his way back after a three-game absence and turned in a solid shift. He'll likely get the nod over Liberato Cacace versus Genoa on Sunday, with Giuseppe Pezzella returning on the wing. He has posted five tackles (four won), six interceptions, 32 clearances and one block in his last five displays, with no clean sheets.

FEBRUARY 26 • ROTOWIRE

Will sit out Udinese match Ismajli (thigh) won't be involved Sunday, coach Roberto D'Aversa announced.

Impact Ismajli was reportedly a late call but will ultimately miss his second contest in a row. Mattia De Sciglio and Saba Goglichidze are the only pure center-backs healthy for this one. Liberato Cacace and Dawid Bembnista could start in the back given the multiple absences.

FEBRUARY 15 • ROTOWIRE

Out for Saturday Ismajli (thigh) won't be an option Saturday against Milan, La Nazione reported.

Impact Ismajli escaped without a strain but will skip at least one fixture to recuperate. Mattia Viti (thigh) is set to return and could replace him in the back. The other available options are Saba Goglichidze, Mattia De Sciglio and Luca Marianucci.

FEBRUARY 7 • ROTOWIRE

Exits Juventus game early Ismajli had two clearances in 59 minutes in Sunday's fixture versus Juventus subbing off due to a possible muscular issue, Gianluca Di Marzio relayed.

Impact Ismajli hasn't been 100 percent in recent matches and bowed out early again. He'll have to be assessed ahead of Saturday's away game versus Milan. If Mattia Viti (thigh) remains unavailable. Mattia De Sciglio, Saba Goglichidze and Lorenzo Marianucci would be the only healthy bodies in the back.

FEBRUARY 2 • ROTOWIRE

Very busy in Inter clash Ismajli (undisclosed) had 11 clearances, two interceptions and two tackles (two won) in Sunday's 3-1 loss to Inter.

Impact Ismajli didn't miss time and piled up stats in the back as he often does, but his side gave up three goals in a tough match-up. He has registered seven tackles (six won), 11 interceptions, 44 clearances and three blocks in the last five rounds.

JANUARY 21 • ROTOWIRE

Probable for Inter meeting Ismajli (undisclosed) had a good week of training and is likely to start versus Inter on Sunday, Quotidiano Sportivo reported.

Impact Ismajli left early in the previous game because he wasn't feeling well and not because of a new injury. He should continue to lead the backline. He has notched six tackles (five won), 11 interceptions and 39 clearances in the last five fixtures, with no clean sheets.

JANUARY 18 • ROTOWIRE

Might not be dealing with an injury "Ismajli wasn't 100 percent because he had a procedure on his hand this week and perhaps got dizzy because of it," coach Roberto D'Aversa stated.

Impact Ismajli seemed to signal a muscular issue when he bowed out but might have been affected by something different and less severe. He'll be assessed throughout the week ahead of the Inter clash next Sunday.

JANUARY 11 • ROTOWIRE

Limps off against Lecce Ismajli had six clearances in 21 minutes before exiting Saturday's match versus Lecce due to a possible thigh injury, La Gazzetta dello Sport informed.

Impact Ismajli put up numbers relative to his minutes but struggled like the rest of the Empoli defense, which gave up two early goals due to collective miscues. He's headed for some tests. His side will face Inter away Sunday. Mattia De Sciglio replaced him off the bench.

JANUARY 11 • ROTOWIRE

Passable in Venezia bout Ismajli had three interceptions, four clearances, one block and two tackles (one won) in Saturday's 1-1 draw versus Venezia.

Impact Ismajli picked up stats across the board in the back but didn't rack up stats like in previous matches as Empoli pulled the strings for the most part after conceding. He has registered six tackles (five won), 13 interceptions, 37 clearances and three blocks in the last five games.

JANUARY 4 • ROTOWIRE

Puts up numbers versus Genoa Ismajli won one of one tackle and registered one tackle (one won), 11 clearances and four interceptions in Saturday's 2-1 defeat to Genoa.

Impact Ismajli was busy as usual in the back but his team allowed two goals, and he wasn't spotless, as Caleb Ekuban outworked him in the box on the second and decisive Genoa score. He has tallied five tackles (all won), 14 interceptions, 34 clearances and five blocks in the last four matches, with no clean sheets.

DECEMBER 28, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Notches four interceptions versus Milan Ismajli registered one tackle (one won), one clearance, three blocks and four interceptions in Saturday's 3-0 loss to AC Milan.

Impact Ismajli put up small numbers relative to his recent standards, and his team struggled mightily to contain Milan in the large loss. He has tallied three tackles (all won), 14 interceptions, 42 clearances and ten blocks in the last five fixtures, contributing to one clean sheet.

NOVEMBER 30, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Logs heaps of clearance versus Lecce Ismajli recorded one tackle (one won), 14 clearances, one block and two interceptions in Friday's 1-1 draw versus Lecce.

Impact Ismajli recorded his second-highest tally of the season in clearances as Empoli bunkered up in the second half, but his side eventually conceded. He has registered four tackles (all won), nine interceptions and 38 clearances in the last five rounds, with one clean sheet.

NOVEMBER 9, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Racks up stats against Inter Ismajli recorded seven clearances, two blocks and one interception in Wednesday's 3-0 loss to Inter Milan.

Impact Ismajli had another busy performance while trying to limit the opponents, but the Empoli rearguard faltered in the final portion of the game. He has tallied 10 interceptions, 41 clearances and five tackles (four won) in the last five contests.

OCTOBER 31, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Another great display in loss Ismajli had one off-target shot, made 12 clearances and two interceptions and drew two fouls during Sunday's 2-1 loss against Lazio.

Impact Ismajli just can't stop being amazing at the heart of the defense. The center-back saw his side conceding one goal each half but still did his part, dominating against opposing forwards and having double-digit clearances for the fourth time over the last five games. With 73 clearances over seven league starts, Ismajli had at least 30 more than any other Serie A player this season.

OCTOBER 9, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Busy again versus Cagliari Ismajli had one tackle (one won), two interceptions, one block and 13 clearances in Friday's 2-0 win over Cagliari.

Impact Ismajli once again racked up stats while helping the Empoli defense keep the third clean sheet in five rounds. He has put up numbers in the process as he has registered 51 clearances, six blocks and six interceptions.

SEPTEMBER 20, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Fills it up versus Juventus Ismajli registered one tackle (one won), nine clearances, two blocks and one interception in Saturday's 0-0 draw versus Juventus.

Impact Ismajli was impeccable despite the daunting match-up, helping his side keep an impressive clean sheet. He has contributed to two in four games, posting 38 clearances, four interceptions and five blocks.

SEPTEMBER 14, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Very busy in Bologna fixture Ismajli drew one foul and had one tackle (one won), 17 clearances and one interception in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Bologna.

Impact Ismajli held the backline together throughout the match and thwarted several actions with his timely interventions. He'll be a full-time starter as long as he's healthy, which has been an issue for him at times in the past. He has registered three interceptions, 29 clearances and three blocks in three games, contributing to one clean sheet.

SEPTEMBER 1, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Notches six clearances versus Frosinone Ismajli (thigh) had one interception, one block, one tackle (zero won) and six clearances in Sunday's 0-0 draw with Frosinone.

Impact Ismajli was thrust into the XI following a six-game layoff since Empoli were down Sebastian Walukiewicz (thigh) and turned in a solid shift despite not being 100 percent. He'll stay in the XI as long as his teammate is sidelined and compete with Bartosz Beresyznski afterward.

MAY 7, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Starting in injury return Ismajli (thigh) is in the starting XI for Sunday's match against Frosinone.

Impact Ismajli jumps straight into the starting XI following a six match injury absence. The defender has been a locked in starter when fit this season starting 20 of his 23 league appearances.

MAY 5, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Late call for Frosinone game Ismajli (thigh) has a chance to be available against Frosinone on Sunday, GIornale d'Italia relayed.

Impact Ismajli has started doing more in training after sitting out six matches because of a thigh strain, but it's not certain he'll be back in this one. His return, even on the bench, would be particularly helpful since Sebastian Walukiewicz (thigh) went down in the previous game and is iffy.

MAY 4, 2024 • ROTOWIRE