Ibrahimovic, Villa pull out of MLS All-Star Game
By admin - November 28, 2018

Newly-minted Major League Soccer star Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Spain’s David Villa have both withdrawn from Wednesday’s All-Star game against Italian club Juventus, ESPN reports.

The LA  Galaxy’s Ibrahimovic withdrew from the game citig fatigue, while NYCFC’s Villa is still recovering from an injury he suffered last month. Tyler Adams of the New York Red Bulls and Darwin Quintero of Minnesota United will step in for the two  players.

Galaxy officials say Ibrahimovic needs a rest period after playing three games in the week leading up to the Juventus match. For his part, Ibrahimovic said he’s sad to miss the All-Star game but could use a much-needed break.

“I am disappointed to miss the 2018 All-Star Game against Juventus, one of my former clubs,” Ibrahimovic told the Galaxy website. “I want to thank the fans for voting me to the team. My main focus is to score goals and help the LA Galaxy to the playoffs.”

The 36-year-old Swedish striker has wasted little time in showcasing his talent, scoring three goals in LA’s 4-3 victory over Orlando on Sunday. The hat trick takes his season total to 15 goals in just 17 games with his new team and moves the Galaxy into third place in the Western Conference.

Villa, meanwhile, has played in the last three MLS All-Star games but is still hobbled by a knee in jury that’s kept him sidelined for NYCFC’s last six games.