AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has tested positive for the coronavirus ahead of the club’s Europa League third qualifying round tie against Norwegian club Bodo/Glimt.
Milan have confirmed that all other players and staff have tested negative, with Ibrahimovic already in home quarantine until he poses a risk of infection to others.
Ibrahimovic is now in home quarantine away from the Milan squad / Alessandro Sabatini / Getty Images
The veteran Swede is Milan’s second player to miss Thursday night’s game with the coronavirus after testing positive for defender Leo Duarte in the first round of the Test.
In his second spell with Milan, Ibrahimovic signed a new one-year deal for the 2020/21 season at the end of August, making a significant impact on his initial short-term deal last season.
He was Milan’s joint second top scorer, just one behind top scorer Ante Rebuk despite only joining the club in January. The 38-year-old, who turns 39 next week, has already netted three times in all competitions this season, including in the opening 2-0 Serie A win over Bologna.
Ibrahimovic has three goals in two games this season / Alessandro Sabatini/Getty Images
Ibrahimovic scored Milan’s first goal of the new season in the final round of the Europa League against Irish side Shamrock Rovers. His absence against Bodo/Guilmet will therefore come as a blow for Stefano Pioli’s side, but the Rossoneri should still expect to prevail in the only tie at the San Siro.
If Milan are successful against Norway, they will face the winner of the third-round tie between Turkey’s Besiktas and Portugal’s Rio Ave in a later playoff round on the road.
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