Zlatan Ibrahimovic will not be taking part in AC Milan’s clashes against Tottenham in the Champions League Round of 16. The Swede was not included on the squad list and Stefano Pioli has now explained why.
Many believed that the 41-year-old striker would be back in time for the games against Tottenham, with the first leg taking place in little over a week. However, Ibrahimovic was not even included in Milan’s squad for the Champions League.
Speaking at his presser today, which you can read in full here, Pioli explained that he had no other option but to exclude Ibrahimovic. The return date of the latter remains unknown and thus made his selection impossible.
“Ibrahimovic has always been of great importance for this team. Unfortunately, Zlatan trained for ten minutes with us yesterday and today he didn’t work with us at all. Unfortunately for him, the two games against Tottenham take place soon and right now we don’t know when he will be 100%.
“I hope with all my heart that he can come back soon. Few people would do what he’s doing to come back from such a difficult and complicated injury. He doesn’t give up. But not having the guarantee, I had no other choice and I communicated it to him a few days ago,” he stated.
Ibrahimovic took part in the first ten minutes of training yesterday but then continued his individual program. Today, he only did the latter and that says a lot about his condition, still not return for maximum tempo.
Ibra’s simple presence on the bench has more of an effect than Pioli’s management. Pioli didn’t consider this I guess.
im sure pioli considered that and much more, considering he works with 30+ players, and the staff we dont even kno are there…
Pioli is become worse and days goes by. Ibra is better even if he is on the bench. What’s wrong with pioli