AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli has confirmed that Zlatan Ibrahimovic is back in the squad against Torino, and there was positive news across the injury front.
Given our recent poor run of results, the Rossoneri are desperate to break out of our current slump as we look to not only get back on track in Serie A with a top-four spot now at risk, but also for a confidence boost ahead of the resumption of the Champions League next week.
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As we prepare to face Torino on Friday night, it won’t be an easy game, but our hopes will be lifted with the news that Ibrahimovic is available again after a significant layoff due to injury, while we will welcome back other key players as of next week with Pioli having important options at his disposal.
That isn’t a sure-fire solution to our current and ongoing problems, the experience and quality that these players bring is vital, and so it’s hoped that we can put an end to this crisis that we find ourselves in.
While Ibrahimovic will be in the squad on Friday, Mike Maignan continues to make progress in his comeback from a troublesome calf issue and both Ismael Bennacer and Fikayo Tomori will hope to return next week to face Tottenham in our Champions League tie.
Pioli on Ibrahimovic
“He’s doing better,” he told the media at his press conference, as per MilanNews. “He did half a workout and finished today. His role is as a great motivator and a great player. He’ll be with us tomorrow and this is important.”
Pioli on Maignan, Bennacer, Tomori
“Healing is going well, he’s [Maignan] back to work on the pitch. The scar is healing well, but we can’t say for sure when he’ll be back in the side. Tomori and Bennacer aren’t available for tomorrow, but they should be back for Tottenham.”
Pioli was also questioned on other members of the Milan squad, but backed both Rafael Leao and Theo Hernandez to rediscover their best form and lead the side forward, while also dismissing the suggestion that a switch in system and tactical set-up could further hinder Charles De Ketelaere and keep him on the bench.
Further, the Milan boss didn’t commit to any particular formation or personnel for this one, as we could stick with a 3-5-2 or go back to a more familiar 4-3-3, while the likes of Malick Thiaw are knocking on the door for more involvement.
It’s been a difficult time for Pioli and the players, and still is, but we’ll hopefully get the preparation and decision-making spot on to lead us to a much-needed win on Friday night at San Siro, which can potentially be the spark to help us rediscover our identity and style of play to implement a winning formula once again.
