Alexandre Pato to step up for AC Milan in Zlatan Ibrahimovic's absence
With doubts surrounding Zlatan Ibrahimovic's fitness ahead of AC Milan's league fixture against Chievo on Saturday, Alexandre Pato has vowed to step up for the team in the Swede's absence.
Ibrahimovic joined Milan from Barcelona this summer, and has made a convincing start to his return to the Serie A.
With five goals in seven appearances, the towering Swede has carried the team's offense on his back and been the team's sole goalscorer in three games this season.
After being matched regularly by manager Massimiliano Allegri and featuring in Sweden's Euro 2012 qualifier against the Netherlands this week, the Swede is suffering from a stomach problem as well as a
persistent groin injury.
"I've had stomach cramps and I haven't been able to train," the striker said about his fitness, adding that he may not feature in Saturday's league game in order to be fit for Milan's next Champions League
fixture. "I have to reconsider whether I can play against Chievo. The Champions League is more important and I want to be 100 per cent for the game against Real Madrid."
Plenty of offensive options for Milan
Should Ibrahimovic be rested, Allegri will have plenty of other options in attack. Brazilian trio Robinho, Ronaldinho Gaucho and Pato are all available, with the latter having impressed in Brazil's international
friendly against Iran last week.
"It's the best moment of my career," Pato recently told globoesporte.com about his recent form. "I have confidence in my play. Moreover I am sure that by continuing to express myself to the maximum at
Milan I will keep being called up to Brazil."
The Brazilian has made 79 league appearances for Milan since joining in 2007, but Ibrahimovic and Ronaldinho have been favoured by Allegri in Milan's attack this season. Saturday could be his time to shine.
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