Zlatan Ibrahimovic Injury Update: Manchester United star out until January
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Manchester United's star striker, has suffered severe ligament damage in his right knee and will likely be out of action until at least January 2018, per reports. Ibrahimovic sustained the injury Thursday during United's 3-2 Europa League quarterfinal victory over Anderlecht at Old Trafford.
Soon after the injury, United manager Jose Mourinho said that he wasn't optimistic about a swift return for Ibrahimovic. The 35-year-old striker hyper extended his right knee during the second half on Thursday when he pursued a lofted ball before landing awkwardly on the turf. Anthony Martial replaced Ibrahimovic before Marcus Rashford hit the game-winner during the second phase of extra time. After the game, Mourinho didn't mince any words with regards to Ibrahimovic's injury.
"I don't think they are easy injuries, but I prefer to wait for all the tests to be done tomorrow. I want to wait. My feeling is not great for both (Ibrahimovic and Marcos Rojo). I want to be optimistic, but I'm not. I can't say any more than that, I am not a doctor," Mourinho told reporters.
A day later, Mourinho's initial fears were confirmed after Ibrahimovic underwent scans in Manchester. According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Ibrahimovic would required surgery followed by an extensive rehabilitation programmed that could last eight to nine months. According to ESPN FC, “the injury (to Ibrahimovic) has placed doubt over his club future; his United contract is due to expire at the end of this season."
Zlatan Ibrahimovic injury update: Surgery, 8-9 months of rehab
Ibrahimovic joined United last summer after arriving on a free transfer from French club Paris Saint-Germain. After arriving in Manchester, the Swedish star scored 26 goals in 46 appearances but couldn't help United compete with Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur who sit atop the English Premier League table. Manchester United is currently in fifth place and could possibly slip further in the wake of Ibrahimovic's injury.
According to Mourinho, though Ibrahimovic is eligible for a one-year option (extension) in his contract, there's no guarantee that the forward will return to the club next year. "Zlatan's situation is simple. He has one plus one (in his contract). We are happy with him. We are going to execute the option of a second season. After that he can do what he wants," the Portuguese manager told reporters before Thursday's game against Feyenoord. Ibrahimovic has previously played for Juventus, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Ajax and PSG.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has reportedly drawn interest from American Major League Soccer (MLS) clubs LA Galaxy and LA FC. The latter will launch in March 2018. Several reports suggest that Ibrahimovic will spend another year in Old Trafford before considering a move to the United States.
