AC Milan technical director Paolo Maldini has confirmed that Zlatan Ibrahimovic should be back in seven days after contracting Coronavirus.
Pioli has a lot of different selection headaches heading into the game against the Norwegian side, who have won 18 of their last 20 games and are unbeaten in that stretch.
Milan revealed on Thursday that Ibrahimovic has tested positive for COVID-19 following a second round of tests ahead of the game, while Leo Duarte is also out having contracted the virus.
It means that some interventions will likely be needed before October 5, given the lack of depth Milan have especially in the centre-back department.
Maldini was interviewed by broadcaster DAZN before the game against Bodo/Glimt, with his responses transcribed by MilanNews.
On Ibrahimovic, he stated: “Ibra is fine, he is asymptomatic. It is a heavy, unexpected absence. We have problems in two areas, the central defenders and the forwards.
“Today we will fight, but it is not the best way to prepare for such an important challenge. Ibra is sorry, his hope is to eradicate the virus as soon as possible and return.”
Colombo will make his first competitive start for Milan against Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League as Rafael Leao is not fit yet and Ante Rebic is suspended.
“The boy showed that he was ready, he always played under age. He has a very important role on his shoulders, we must not put too much weight on his shoulders. But it is normal to have pressure if you want to play at San Siro in Milan,” he said.
On the market: “We have clear ideas. It all starts with the belief that this is a team that is doing well, everything that will be done will be just to improve this team.
“The problems all come from injuries all in the same area, in defence. Ibra will be available in seven days, by choice we have kept two young players, who are Colombo and Daniel Maldini, to let him play their part in the first team.”
