As AC Milan plot a way to get out of our alarming slump, the return of Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a welcome boost for Stefano Pioli and the squad.
Now 41 years of age and having been sidelined since May after undergoing knee surgery, the Swede has been out of action for over 250 days and has missed around 30 games in that time.
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With that in mind, the idea of being relieved that he is back is a somewhat worrying one in itself as we’re not looking to rely on him forever, but his presence in the matchday squad will surely be crucial for us.
From his leadership and experience to his physical presence on the pitch and ability to inspire those around him, Ibrahimovic’s return will also give Pioli an important alternative option up front having been heavily over-reliant on Olivier Giroud.
It will hopefully provide a different dynamic in the final third for us, and while it’s going to take the Swedish forward time to build his match fitness to a point where he can make a significant contribution, there is a sense of relief that he is on the verge of making a comeback.
As per MilanNews, Ibrahimovic participated in full group training on Tuesday, while Ismael Bennacer, Fikayo Tomori and even Mike Maignan are not far behind him, and the return of such influential individuals who form the core and backbone of the side is certainly going to make a significant difference for us.
Ibrahimovic though leads the way as he could be in contention for Friday’s encounter with Torino, and while naturally he’ll only make the bench, to have that option available and to have such a strong personality and character to lean on during this difficult period will be welcomed with open arms by Pioli.
Ibrahimovic contributed eight goals and three assists in 23 Serie A appearances last season, and while time will tell how he has come back from this knee injury, there is still hope that he can now stay healthy and make an important impact.
Looking further ahead, Bennacer’s return will be huge for us given his influence in both phases of the game and ability to dictate in midfield, as will Maignan’s as his presence between the posts has been sorely missed in recent months and is undoubtedly a key factor in why we’ve not been as defensively sound this season.
Tomori will be itching to get back and find his best form again after an indifferent season thus far, but as we look for a much-needed confidence boost on the pitch, there are significant boosts off it this week as we hope to welcome back a group of fundamental individuals who will be key in getting us back on track.
New training pics have just dropped 📷#MilanTorino #SempreMilan
Brought to you by @play_eFootball pic.twitter.com/3BBAQku5G5— AC Milan (@acmilan) February 7, 2023
