Serie A: Zlatan Ibrahimovic injury blow for AC Milan before derby
AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been ruled out of Saturday’s derby clash against Inter with an Achilles tendon problem, manager Stefano Pioli said. The 40-year-old Swede has not yet recuperated from the right leg injury suffered in a goalless draw against Juventus on January 23, with Croatian forward Ante Rebic also sidelined with an ankle injury. “For Zlatan to be missing is disappointing,” said Pioli. “We’ve come a long way with him but we have to show that we’re also strong without him.”
France forward Olivier Giroud, who has scored five goals in 14 Serie A games this season, is relied upon to step in and play his first derby.
“Olivier is a player of international calibre. He’s hungry to perform and is ready to play because he’s an intelligent, complete player, who can link up the play and get into space in the box,” said Pioli.
“This match counts for a lot. It’s a derby, a clash for the top of the rankings. It would give confidence, strength,” Pioli added.
“We’re fighting for a good finish. We’re back to competing for the top four now. We were well organised and intense against Juventus but we just lacked a little bit of quality, which we will need to find tomorrow.
“We’ve prepared well; the team knows how much this game means and we want to win it. A victory would give us a lot of confidence, strength and three big points.”
