Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimović is closing in on a return to full fitness and could soon lineup for the Red Devils in the coming weeks. According to recent reports in the English media, the big Swede could return to action for Jose Mourinho’s side next week. He is set to return to full training which will be a big boost for the Europa League champions going into the second half of the season.
The Swedish international looked in great shape as seen in an Instagram story posted on his page last Saturday. The post was captioned as ‘high altitude work’ and displayed Ibrahimovic riding an exercise bike in an oxygen tent along with a trainer, as he tries to get back to full fitness. The forward has not featured for the Red Devils since Boxing Day last year when he picked up a knock in their 2-2 draw at home to Burnley.
The 36-year-old re-signed for Manchester United last summer following an impressive campaign at Old Trafford, which ended prematurely for him as he fell victim to a knee ligament injury. He made his first-team return in October but has failed to live up to his last season’s form under manager Jose Mourinho. However, some sources in the English press have suggested that he is set to make a comeback soon after working tirelessly to regain his fitness in the club’s Carrington training base.
Jose Mourinho was recently able to capture the services of the talented Chilean, Alexis Sanchez earlier this month, which has given his side a massive boost going into the second half of their campaign. Hence, Ibrahimovic is being carefully brought back with no chances being taken over his recovery. The Swede’s potential return would bolster Manchester United’s attacking options even more as they fight in three different competitions in the coming months.
The Manchester club beat League Two side Yeovil Town on Friday night and secured a passage through to the fifth round of the FA Cup. They are also set to take on Sevilla in the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League in February. The Red Devils currently find themselves in second place in the Premier League standings, a mammoth 12 points behind league leaders and their ‘noisy neighbours’ Manchester City. Ibrahimovic’s return might help them consolidate their position in the league table and make a late push in the title race if City becomes careless going forward.
It remains to be seen if the Swede can rekindle his good form from last year and help his side compete for top honours this season.
