Milan have been handed a blow regarding the persistent injury problems faced by veteran striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic that will likely sit him out of the highly-anticipated top of the table clash against Derby di Milano rivals and former team Inter.
Ibra picked up a tendon injury on his ankle in the disappointing stalemate against Juventus before the international break and has since failed to recover.
Most recent reports from Milanello, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport (via MilanNews), indicate that two days is very little time for the former Nerazzurri man to recover fully and face his old team. He is currently suffering from the inflammation of the tendon and in order for Stefano Pioli to call him back to full training, it must completely disappear.
However unlikely as that sounds, Milan possesses another veteran in their ranks who can very well replace the Swede. Olivier Giroud is being touted as the frontline starter against Inter, as the Frenchman prepares for his first Milan derby since arriving from Chelsea.
Ibrahimovic has little time to make it to the starting lineup, given his Achilles problem. However, he still can make it to the squad for Derby della Madonnina. A final decision can be expected only a few hours before kickoff on February 5.
Milan evidently do not want to take any risks with the experienced 40-year-old forward, who already has knocked in 8 goals and provided 2 assists for the Rossoneri in the span of 19 games this campaign.