Following his injury in Paris Saint-Germain’s first leg victory over Chelsea in their UEFA Champions League clash, Zlatan Ibrahimovic is out for the foreseeable future.
Ibrahimovic, 32, pulled up in the second half of PSG’s 3-1 victory over Chelsea and clutched his upper leg after knocking a ball forward and then failing to run after it.
Speaking in his Friday press conference, PSG’s manager Laurent Blanc gave an update on Zlatan’s injury and revealed that Les Parisiens’ forward is suffering from a thigh problem and will miss next week’s game in West London.
That news will boost Chelsea, as Jose Mourinho’s men need to overturn a two-goal deficit in order to reach the semifinals of the UCL.
However Zlatan struggled to cause Chelsea any real problems in the first leg, but his presence on the field for PSG is crucial as they aim to break into the group of Europe’s elite teams. His experience, confidence and leadership has been vital for the French club since he joined from AC Milan in 2012.
(MORE: Zlatan injures thigh, huge blow for Paris Saint-Germain)
With Edinson Cavani, Ezequiel Lavezzi and Javier Pastore still on board to give Chelsea’s defense a torrid time, the French champions should be okay without Zlatan and see off Chelsea’s charge. But good news for PSG’s fans is that Zlatan should be fit again before the end of the season to help the capital club surge towards their second-straight French title.
But, psychologically, will PSG miss their talisman in the second leg at Stamford Bridge? Only time will tell as Zlatan will be watching on with the rest of us, when his side face their date with Champions League destiny next Tuesday.