Ibrahimovic, out for 7 to 8 months… and without a contract since June

Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Serie A champion with Milan, underwent surgery on his left knee on Wednesday and will be out for between 7 and 8 months. “Zlatan Ibrahimovic underwent surgery on his left knee at the Jean Mermoz Hospital in Lyon (France). The operation was perfectly successful and the prognosis is estimated at 7-8 months,” the Rossoneri club reported in a statement.

It has not been the season for the striker, who, hampered by injuries, has played 23 of the 38 games in the domestic championship. The operated knee and an Achilles tendon have been a burden for the Swede, whose contract with Milan expires this summer.

Arthroscopy had been planned for a long time to permanently resolve joint instability by reconstructing the anterior cruciate ligament, with lateral reinforcement and repair of the meniscus.

This season, despite the lack of continuity on the pitch, Ibra has been a leader in the locker room, being one of the most respected figures alongside the coach, Stefano Pioli.

In addition, the 40-year-old has scored a total of nine goals between Serie A and Coppa Italia, and has provided three assists in the domestic championship.

Frenchman Olivier Giroud picked up Ibrahimovic’s baton up front this season and more than made up for the complicated challenge. The Frenchman, with a contract until 2023, is postulated as the favorite to continue being the starting ‘9’ after the loss of Zlatan, whose future, according to the Italian media, will continue to be linked to Milan for a new season.