Milan coach Stefano Pioli says Zlatan Ibrahimovic feels ‘like a caged lion’, although Olivier Giroud proved his worth on Saturday’s derby against Inter.
The Rossoneri face Lazio in a Coppa Italia quarter-final clash at the Stadio Meazza tomorrow.
Ibrahimovic is currently dealing with an Achilles tendon injury and will miss the game against Maurizio Sarri’s side. La Gazzetta dello Sport reported on Monday that the Swede’s recovery time is still unclear.
Milan dealt blow as Ibrahimovic’s injury is worse than expected
Olivier Giroud replaced the striker in the Milan derby on Saturday scoring two crucial goals in the Diavoli’s 2-1 win over their city rivals.
“Zlatan is a changed lion, he has the motivation and ambition to help the team on the pitch, so he hopes to return to action soon. He won’t be available tomorrow. We’ll see for the next ones,” Pioli told Sportmediaset.
“Olivier is proving his worth on the pitch and is doing what he’s been asked to. He is an excellent footballer and human being. He is a strong footballer providing crucial help to the team.”
The Rossoneri beat Inter in the Milan derby on Saturday, moving just one point behind Simone Inzaghi’s side although the Nerazzurri have a game in hand.
“We are satisfied because we won an important game,” said Pioli, “but we know that the path is still long. There are 45 points available and 15 games left, it’s a lot. We are at the same place as last season, so we know that there is still a lot to do. Now, we are only focused on tomorrow’s game, we want to get till the end of the competition.”
Fikayo Tomori and Ante Rebic have recovered from injuries, but will they play against Lazio?
“We’ll see today, Fikayo trained well yesterday and is feeling better. Clearly, the more he trains and the more he will improve his shape. He should be available tomorrow, we’ll see if he can start.
“Rebic trained yesterday, we’ll see if he can be available.”
What games does Pioli expect tomorrow?
“They have a very good coach and quality players. Their offensive department is impressive with Luis Alberto, Milinkovic-Savic, Immobile, Zaccagni, Felipe Anderson and Pedro. High level. We’ll need to be focused and defend well trying to find the right opportunity to create troubles for them.”
Pioli: 'Ibra out, è un leone in gabbia. Vedremo per le prossime. Rinnovi? Prima dimostrare di essere da #Milan ' #MilanLazio #CoppaItalia https://t.co/AHvMsAniDi pic.twitter.com/UmZa1vK2Fa
— calciomercato.com (@cmdotcom) February 8, 2022
The cage is called nature. Hang your boot at the end of the season because it can’t be better next season.
Lazio have better individuals in attacking positions than us actually, not counting Leao. We don’t have a Savic, Alberto or Immobile. Hell even Pedro is better than our right wingers.
Pioli has done wonders with the players he’s been given.