Manchester United have submitted their squad for the group stage of the UEFA Champions League and they have decided to include veteran striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, despite his injury. The 35-year-old Swedish forward moved back to Manchester United in August after being released from his contract at the end of last season. He suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury in April and has not played since, but his inclusion in the Champions League squad might indicate that his recovery is going better than expected.
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho had previously said that Ibrahimovic had no chance of returning to fitness in time for the Champions League group stage matches and indicated that he was counting on the striker for the second part of the season. "I am not thinking Zlatan will play any part in the group phase," Mourinho said. "I don't think there is any chance of that. Do we have space in the Champions League list to have him? Yes, we have. Hopefully he can play in the knockout phase but for that we need to finish top two."
Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored 28 goals for Manchester United last season as the Red Devils won the Europa League and gained access to this season's Champions League. Mourinho's men kick off their Champions League campaign at Old Trafford on September 12 when they will face Swiss side FC Basel, then they have two consecutive away matches at CSKA Moscow and Benfica. Their last group match will take place on December 5 when they face CSKA Moscow at Old Trafford.
Manchester United are 11/1 at Bet365 to win the Champions League this season.
Your feedback
Please enter your comment.
Your comment is added.
