Zlatan Ibrahimovich has been left out of the AC Milan squad traveling to face Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday. This decision comes as a precaution after the 39-year-old striker suffered an Achilles tendon strain.
AC Milan manager Stefano Pioli stated during a news conference on Tuesday that the Swedish international would have started his team’s Champions League opening game had it not been for the injury. “He was fine but after the match [on Sunday], he felt a little discomfort,” Piolo explained. “This morning, he tried [to train], but he felt pain so there’s need to take such a risk at this time of the season.”
Piolo also reminded the press that while AC Milan’s clash against Liverpool is of high importance, there are plenty more crucial fixtures in the months ahead that Ibrahimovich will be needed for.
Zlatan Ibrahimovich played a pivotal role in AC Milan’s second-placed finish in Serie A last season, earning the team their first Champions League qualification since 2014.
With Ibrahimovich unavailable, French striker Olivier Giroud is in contention to take his place in the starting 11.
