At the start of the international break, the presence of Zlatan Ibrahimovic for the derby seemed almost certain. In the end, though, the decision to leave him out was made as the Achilles inflammation is still present.
Last season, the now 40-year-old missed a total of 24 games due to injury (plus another four due to Covid) and this season he’s at eight games missed (including tomorrow). In short, you cannot expect him to play a full season anymore.
It’s yet another injury that, as per Tuttosport (via MilanNews), has resulted in reflections over the future. Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara will have a meeting with Ibrahimovic before the end of the season to discuss the future, and they cannot look past the injuries.
The renewal has always seemed like a certainty but that isn’t the case anymore, even though the Swede remains a very important figure also off the pitch. The upcoming months, and the World Cup play-offs, will be decisive.
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I agree Ibra as the second choice striker for next season with a decrease of his wage