Stefano Pioli says Zlatan Ibrahimovic is like “a lion in a cage” in his quest to return from injury, but revealed he will not be available for Milan’s Coppa Italia quarter-final showdown with Lazio.
His side’s top scorer in Serie A this season with eight goals, Ibrahimovic is currently sidelined with an Achilles tendon injury, having limped off during the first half of last month’s stalemate with Juventus.
The 40-year-old’s absence was evident for most of last weekend’s derby with Inter; the Rossoneri registering just one shot on goal until Olivier Giroud’s quickfire double completed a dramatic turnaround.
Milan welcome Lazio to San Siro in the last eight of the Coppa Italia on Wednesday, although it comes too soon for Ibrahimovic.
But Pioli insists the striker is doing everything in his power to return as soon as possible.
“Zlatan is a lion in a cage,” he told Sportmediaset. “His motivation is to help the team on the pitch.
“Tomorrow, he won’t be [available]; we’ll see for the next ones.”
Pioli also praised the contribution of Giroud, who has drawn criticism from some sections despite taking his tally to seven for the campaign with that derby brace, while also becoming the first Frenchman to net twice against Inter in Serie A.
When asked whether his display against the Nerazzurri deflected the criticism, the head coach said: “I don’t know, the detractors are always there. What matters is the trust we have.
“He is proving to be the footballer for whom he was purchased. [He is] a valuable player and a person of great depth who is making a great contribution to the team.”
