Ibra recovery will be hard, says Mourinho

Jose Mourinho admitted it will be “really hard” for veteran striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic to recover from his season-ending knee ligament injury.

The Manchester United manager was talking after his side had recorded an impressive 2-0 victory at Burnley just three days after Ibrahimovic and defender Marcos Rojo suffered knee injuries during a midweek Europa League win over Anderlecht.

Reports have suggested that, given his age, Ibrahimovic may not play at the top level again -- his United contract is up at the end of the season -- although his manager did not want to become involved in such speculation.

“Yeah I know but I think it’s for the medical department to be more specific and to evaluate over the next few days to seek an expert’s opinion and we have to wait and see for that,” he said.

AIFF TO MONITOR AIZAWL-LAJONG MATCH

Aizawl FC needing a draw against Shillong Lajong to secure a historic I-league title on April 30, the All India Football Federation’s Integrity Officer Javed Siraj will reach Shillong a day in advance to ensure fair play.

Terming it a “routine visit”, AIFF vice-president Subrata Dutta said: “This time he’s going a day in advance.”

While there will be a lot at stake for Aizawl FC, fifth- placed Shillong Lajong will have nothing to lose or gain as they are neither in title hunt nor have relegation threat.

ATLETICO APPEAL AGAINST TRANSFER BAN

Atletico Madrid are waiting to find out if they will be allowed to sign new players in June after pleading their case over a Fifa-imposed transfer ban at the Court of Arbitration for Sport on Monday.

“Only the lawyers are present and no decision will be made today (Monday),” CAS secretary general Matthieu Reeb told AFP, without providing a timeframe for the verdict.