Ibrahimovic in squad for Torino encounter

Zlatan Ibrahimovic played his last game for AC Milan on 22nd May against Sassuolo. It was the last game of the season and AC Milan won the Scudetto for the first time in 19 years.

Three days after that game, Ibra went to surgery to have an operation on his left knee, an operation which has sidelined him for eight months. 

AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli confirmed in a press conference that the Swedish international will be on the bench for the all important league game against Torino. Milan need the win to keep in the Champions League hunt. 

Pioli is getting back a player who is important not just on the pitch, but also off it. He is a leader in the dressing room, but he is not registered in the Champions League squad due to his long term absence. 

"His role has always been that of a great motivator and a great player. I hope he can continue to be like that. For the Champions League, it was more difficult. In a month and half's time, who knows?," he said in Thursday's press conference. 

AC Milan are sixth in the table, but they are winless in their last seven matches. They were knocked out of the Coppa Italia and the Champions League last 16 clash is just around the corner. They are in a Conference League spot, just one point off the Champions League places. A top four finish is now their aim after beginning the campaign wanting to defend their title.