Zlatan Ibrahimovic Spada/LaPresse/Sipa USA

Zlatan Ibrahimovic should play in Milan derby after COVID-19 recovery

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 10/9/20

AC Milan forward and outspoken showman Zlatan Ibrahimovic should be cleared to play in the Oct. 17 derby versus Inter Milan after apparently recovering from the coronavirus.

Ibrahimovic generated headlines on Sept. 24 when he tweeted that he'd tested positive for the virus.

I tested negative to Covid yesterday and positive today. No symptoms what so ever. Covid had the courage to challenge me. Bad idea
— Zlatan Ibrahimović (@Ibra_official) September 24, 2020

On Friday, however, AC Milan explained:

"AC Milan announces that Zlatan Ibrahimovic has tested negative to two consecutive swabs. The City of Milan Health Authorities have terminated his quarantine."

Ibrahimovic celebrated the good news via a tweet. Sky Sports noted the tweet translates:

"You're healed! Health authorities have been warned, the quarantine has ended. You can go out!"

ESPN noted that Ibrahimovic scored three goals in Milan's first two games of the season.

Top-flight clubs are currently idle due to the ongoing international break that runs through next week. Milan took nine points from their opening three Serie A fixtures and are second in the league table, while Inter are fourth in the league and on seven points.

Meanwhile, Inter disclosed on Friday that midfielders Roberto Gagliardini and Radja Nainggolan, along with goalkeeper Ionut Radu, all tested positive for COVID-19. On Wednesday, the club announced that defender Alessandro Bastoni tested positive while with the Italian U-21 squad. Fellow defender Milan Skriniar also tested positive earlier this week.

Players who test positive must quarantine for a minimum of 14 days.

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