Zlatan tests positive; Vidal may well prove vital for Inter: Lukaku

Milan: AC Milan star Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been placed in quarantine after testing positive for coronavirus, the Italian club disclosed on Thursday.

Ibrahimovic is self-isolating at home following the test carried out ahead of the team’s Europa League third qualifying round tie against Norwegian club Bodo-Glimt in the San Siro later Thursday.

“Ibrahimovic has tested positive for Covid-19 following a second round of swab tests ahead of tonight’s game against Bodo-Glimt,” Inter said.

“The club has informed the relevant authorities and the player has been promptly placed in quarantine at home. All other team members and staff have tested negative.”

The second round of tests were carried out after AC Milan’s Brazilian defender Leo Duarte tested positive on Wednesday.

Swede Ibrahimovic will not only skip Thursday’s game but any Europa League play-offs and the next two Serie A games against Crotone and Spezia.

Ibrahimovic will most likely be available again after the international break for the Milan derby against city rivals Inter on Oct.17.

Ibrahimovic has scored three goals in two games so far this season -- a double in AC Milan’s Serie A opener against Bologna, having also netted against Irish side Shamrock Rovers in the Europa League.

VIDAL LIFTS INTER’S HOPES: After coming close to two titles last season, Inter Milan has high hopes that its upgraded squad will end a 10-year wait for a trophy.

Inter finished a point behind Juventus in Serie A and lost the Europa League final to Sevilla in manager Antonio Conte’s first season. During the transfer window, the Nerazzurri were among the most active by bringing in midfielder Arturo Vidal and defenders Achraf Hakimi and Aleksandar Kolarov among others.

The signing of the 33-year-old Vidal - who played under Conte at Juventus - is considered a difference-maker.

“He is a player of really high quality,” Inter forward Romelu Lukaku said in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport.

“Last season we did very well but if we have to improve it’s in quality and experience. Two things that Vidal has. You don’t win so much and with different teams if you’re not a high-level player.”

Agencies