Zlatan Ibrahimovic ‘set to be called up for AC Milan’s clash with Torino’ after being out of action since undergoing knee surgery last summer

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is closing in on a return to action with reports that he will be called up for AC Milan’s clash with Torino tonight.

The 41-year-old forward has been out of action since the end of last season after undergoing knee injury over the summer.

It was previously reported that the Serie A giants decided not to take a risk on the striker in the Champions League, after he was left out of their knockout stage squad.

Sky Italia though have reported that Ibrahimovic will be on the bench for the clash at the San Siro this evening – nine months after his last appearance in the final game of the 2021-22 season.

Injuries have hampered the former Barcelona, Inter Milan and Manchester United striker in recent seasons, as he closes in on the end of his playing days.

Last season he made just 12 starts, with most of his 27 appearances coming off the bench.

The year prior, he made just 18 Serie A appearances, though his 15 goals helped AC Milan win the title for the first time in 11 years.

AC Milan confirmed last week that Ibrahimovic had been left out of their squad for the latter stages of the Champions League – with the Italians set to face Tottenham in the Round of 16.

Leaving Ibrahimovic off the list could be seen as a gamble by Milan given the impact that the veteran forward has had when he has featured, since he returned to the club in January 2020.

In total he has scored 33 goals in 60 league matches since he returned to Europe after a short stint at LA Galaxy.

AC Milan have struggled during Ibrahimovic’s absence this season, with the side sixth in the standings and 18 points behind leaders Napoli.

Ibrahimovic, who recently returned to training, feels he can still make an impact on his return to the squad.