Ibrahimovic still positive on coronavirus

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has yet to recover from coronavirus and will have to remain on the sidelines for AC Milan’s showdown against Inter.

Ibrahimovic tested positive for COVID-19 on the eve of Milan’s Europa League qualifying clash with Bodo/Glimt on September 24.

At the time, in a true Zlatan fashion, the former Juventus and Inter Milan striker announced the contraction of the coronavirus.

“I tested negative for COVID yesterday and positive today,” Ibra’s tweet read.

“No symptoms whatsoever. The COVID had the courage to challenge me. Bad idea.”

This animal cannot be tamed pic.twitter.com/iBZQyrauxo
— Zlatan Ibrahimović (@Ibra_official) October 2, 2020

Despite being asymptomatic, the Swedish superstar, who has spent the last 14 days self-isolating, has yet to overcome health problems.

Although it’s been over two weeks now, the 39-year-old has returned the positive test in the latest set of testings, according to Sky Sports.

Along with Ibrahimovic, Leo Duarte and Matteo Gabbia remain the only other Milan players to yield a positive result ahead of the upcoming Derby della Madonnina.

They are the only Rossoneri first-team players that won’t be allowed to feature against Inter on October 17.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic was tested again today and the virus is still present in his body after 2 weeks. [Sport] pic.twitter.com/9uZZjXRZQY
— Sky Sports Football (@SkySportsFutbal) October 8, 2020

The derby itself is at risk following an aggressive spread of disease in Italy over the past couple of weeks.

Indeed, five Inter Milan players are also in self-isolation. Alessandro Bastoni, Milan Skriniar, Radja Nainggolan, Roberto Gagliardini, and third-choice goalkeeper Ionut Radu have tested positive for coronavirus.

Total COVID-19 positives between Inter and Milan ahead of the Derby Della Madonnina:

Milan – Ibrahimovic, Duarte, Gabbia (new)
Inter – Nainggolan, Skriniar, Bastoni, Gagliardini, Radu (new)
— Matteo Bonetti (@BonettiESPN) October 9, 2020

Milan have got off to a flying Serie A start, winning each of their opening three league games without conceding once.

It’s, however, worth noting that two of those triumphs arrived against newly-promoted sides, Crotone and Spezia.

Measuring strengths with Inter is a whole another story, though, especially as they’ve lost all of their last four top-flight head-to-head meetings.

Having Ibrahimovic on their side would make Milan’s life a lot easier. But, for the time being, Stefano Pioli will have to make things going forward without his headline performer.