Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Miss Empoli Match

What This Means for AC Milan

Less than two weeks ago Milan sat at first in the Serie A table. Now they’re sitting at third. They’re four points behind Inter Milan at first, and behind Napoli at second due to just losing to them this past weekend.

Before playing Napoli, Milan played Udinese. The Rossoneri secured a point in the dying embers of the match due to heroics from Ibrahimovic.

Now Ibrahimovic is set to miss the upcoming match versus Empoli. The Swede continues to deal with injuries and misses yet another match.

This means that Olivier Giroud will likely start at striker. Although a solid choice on paper, Giroud has struggled with injuries as of late. Due to this, it’s been a while since he’s found himself in the starting XI and on the scoresheet. He remains a reliable option, but Ibrahimovic is still first by a wide margin.

Milan’s issues are coming from the attack. Brahim Diaz is struggling with form. Ante Rebic and Rafael Leao, two crucial players, also continue to miss time. There’s clearly a lack of ideas in the attacking department which makes Ibrahimovic’s absence even more important. The Swede is the driving force up front, both when it comes to scoring goals and creating opportunities.

Empoli’s defence isn’t as strong as Napoli’s was this past weekend. With that being said, Diaz and Giroud will be relied upon very heavily to create some noise. Junior Messias needs to show his creativity as well.

Giroud brings experience and talent, and it’s never been more important than now.

Atalanta and Roma are creeping up behind Milan. Time is running thin to end the year on a high note.