Ibrahimovic Ruled Out For Rest Of 2022 After Undergoing Knee Surgery
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been ruled out for the rest of the year after undergoing reconstructive surgery on a knee problem.
The 40-year-old has suffered this setback just days after helping AC Milan to their first Serie A title in eleven years.
Ibrahimovic was hampered by a succession of fitness problems throughout the 2021/2022 season, restricting him to just 23 Serie A appearances, although he still managed eight goals and three assists.
The pre-planned surgery was done on Wednesday and AC Milan revealed afterwards that their outspoken striker will be sidelined for up to eight months.
A statement on Milan’s website read: “AC Milan announces that Zlatan Ibrahimović underwent an operation on his left knee carried out by Dr Bertrand Sonnery-Cottet, with the Club's Medical Director Stefano Mazzoni in attendance, at the Hôpital Jean Mermoz in Lyon.
“The arthroscopy had been planned for a while to definitively resolve the joint's instability through the reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament, with lateral reinforcement and meniscus reparation.
“The operation was a complete success and the prognosis is estimated between 7 and 8 months.”
It remains to be seen whether Ibrahimovic will consider retiring, given his contract at Milan expires this summer.
Ibrahimovic rejoined AC Milan in January 2020 after leaving Major League Soccer side Los Angeles Galaxy.
The Sweden international has scored 92 goals in 159 appearances across his two spells at AC Milan.
