MILAN, ITALY - FEBRUARY 07: Zlatan Ibrahimovic of AC Milan celebrates after scoring their side's second goal during the Serie A match between AC Milan and FC Crotone at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on February 07, 2021 in Milan, Italy. Sporting stadiums around Italy remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Milan Star on Verge of Returning while Another Contracts Coronavirus

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has resumed practicing regularly following an extended absence. The Milan striker underwent surgery for an arthroscopic lavage of the left knee in mid-June. The operation cost him the Euro, as he had previously announced his return in the Swedish national team. The news came on the same day Olivier Giroud tested positive for COVID and begun isolating at home.

Milan confirmed the news by tweeting some pictures of the striker in training. Coach Stefano Pioli had previously announced that the goal was for Ibrahimovic to be ready for the third game versus Lazio. Barring a setback, the striker will be available for the first real acid test of the season. He will be eased into things since he has not played in months. According to Tuttomercatoweb, he scored twice and set up a teammate in the intra-squad scrimmage.

The Rossoneri signed Olivier Giroud in the offseason to have a quality alternative up front. The 39-year-old forward missed time on multiple instances last season due to muscular problems. The Frenchman is off to a strong start as he hit the net twice in the most recent bout. He has about ten days to shake it off before the next match.

Milan are also waiting for the return of another ace, Franck Kessié. The midfielder stayed in town even though Cote d’Ivoire originally called him up. He is nursing a thigh strain. Differently from Ibrahimovic, the 24-year-old has yet to go into full training. However, there is optimism he will manage during the international break, Tuttosport informs.