Former Paris Saint-Germain star-striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been included in Sweden’s provisional 35-man squad to play at the Rio Olympics, meaning the prolific striker could miss the first two games of the upcoming Premier League campaign.
Although, Sweden’s coach for Rio Olympics Hakan Ericson has said nothing is certain as to whether the prolific centre forward will be part of the final squad to go to Brazil this summer.
Ibrahimovic is poised to join Manchester United this summer after agreeing personal terms with the Premier League gaints. The 34-year-old is expected to fly in to England to seal his widely-speculated move to Old Trafford on a one-year deal after concluding Sweden’s participation in the Euro 16.
“We can’t feel too positive,” Ericson told Swedish newspaper Expressen. “It’s known that those in the Euros can’t double up. I’ve had dialogue with Zlatan, but we don’t really know what is happening.
“He’s willing to wait and see during the Euros. Even the smallest window I want to keep open. It would be fantastic to have him in the squad. I don’t think the chances are that big.”
The Rio Olympics run from August 5-22 with the men’s teams allowed to have three over-aged players alongside Under 23 players and the Swedish coach is hoping to have Ibrahimovic as one of those three over-aged players to make it in the final squad.
Ibrahimovic would then be forced to miss Man Utd’s first two fixtures of the season against Bournemouth and Southampton, should his proposed move to Old Trafford materialize this summer.
Ericson added: “You don’t convince Zlatan. He has an inner drive. He is willing to wait until after the Euros. He has to make a decision about his future career.”
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